Anderson Silva (The MAC Life)

When Anderson “The Spider” Silva steps into the octagon at UFC 208 at the Barclays Center, he will be looking for his first win in about 4 years. The 41-year old Silva is set to face a fighter many claim to be the future of the UFC in Derek Brunson. Silva is very familiar with that role, being a dominant force in the UFC from 2006-2012.

Silva last fought at UFC 200, when he lost to UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier as a last minute replacement. I should remind you all that he just recently had gallbladder surgery. Before then he was going through everything you can imagine: injuries, losses and drug tests. Regardless of these last few years, Anderson Silva will go down as one of the best fighters in UFC history.

It may not surprise anyone, but Silva is beloved by fighters, fans and the media. Besides Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie, he was the most popular fighter at the UFC 208 Media Day at the Barclays Center on Wednesday. Everyone wanted a piece of Silva. When him and Brunson faced off, the former played around with his opponent, putting his arm around him and just goofing off. This fight is intriguing to many. Its a chance to see what will happen to the career of Anderson Silva after this.

If he wins, will he get the opportunity to face Conor McGregor? If he loses, will he consider retirement and join the UFC in an office/media role? While a win is important, Silva see’s it differently. Speaking to Rolling Stone, “The Spider” stated:

“Victory in my life, in your life, in everybody’s life is important. I think the more important thing now in my life is to stay happy, work happy. I’ve been fighting for a long time in my life and working hard at fighting in the UFC. I’ve changed a little bit of my focus. I focus on my family and my different jobs outside the UFC. I think for me now it’s not important how many fights I’ve lost, how many fights I win. I just bring my heart and do my best.”

At this point in his career, that is a great outlook on life. Silva may be up there in age, but he can still go out and hold his own with the newest generation of fighters. This fight with Brunson is the perfect test not just for him, but for the former. The 33-year old Brunson has been moving up in the middleweight ranks of the UFC. Since joining the promotion in 2012, he has a 7-2 record to go with his 16-4 overall MMA record. He is honored to face Silva, downplaying the fact that many have said he is “past his prime”. He’s smart, determined and young, something Silva was when he first came to the UFC.

One fighter is close to sailing into the sunset while the other is just getting started. With enough time to prepare, will Silva get his mojo back? How will Brunson fare against the legend that is Anderson Silva? It is the perfect scenario for a big fight, especially under the bright lights of Brooklyn.

Coverage for the event will start at 6:30pm with the FIGHT PASS prelims. The FS1 prelims then start at 8pm before the main card is LIVE on PPV at 10pm.