Anderson Silva News: 'The Spider' wants return fight to be held in Brazil
Former long-time UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva wants his return fight to be held in Brazil.
"The Spider", now 40 years old, is currently serving a one-year suspension following a failed drug test after his UFC 183 main event fight against welterweight title contender Nick Diaz in January. Silva tested positive for anabolic steroids. With his suspension taking effect in January, Silva will be eligible to fight again in February 2016.
And according to UFC Brazil executive Giovani Decker, the former pound-for-pound MMA king wants his comeback bout to be in his home country.
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"There's nothing set," Decker said in a report by Bloody Elbow. "I think it's another wish of Anderson's to fight in Brazil; I think every fighter has that wish."
Silva last fought in Brazil in October 2012 at UFC 153, when he faced Ultimate Fighter 1 alum Stephan Bonnar as a light heavyweight. "The Spider" finished the fight the first round with a knee to Bonnar's solar plexus.
Decker adds that what he sees unique among Brazilian fight fans is the energy within the community. This is what he also believes is what Silva wants to be at once again.
"We've been able to change the way that the fighters are dealing with Brazil. There's great synergy here with the fighters. I think it's a desire that (Silva) has got, more than anything is defined and anything is set."
Silva's invincible image was immediately destroyed when current champion Chris Weidman first beat him in July 2014. After being unable to regain the belt he once held for seven straight years, and the addition of his failed drug test, fans believe that the Anderson Silva star has lost its shine.
According to Steven Marrocco of MMA Junkie, having the same drawing power of the Anderson Silva a few years back may not be seen this time around.
"More significant, however, was the damage to his public image, though he is likely to remain a huge draw in his native Brazil for as long as he competes."
UFC management has yet to make a comment on the matter.
