The thermometers in Las Vegas hit 5-degrees Centigrade (41-degrees Fahrenheit) this week. The city is still going off regardless, though. Next Saturday, February 5, Anderson Silva will defend his middleweight title against Vitor Belfort, a matchup greatly anticipated by fans across the planet. Check out what Anderson had to say during the UFC 126 press conference this Thursday:
Since the Chael Sonnen fight, what has changed in your standup training?
I changed some things, kept others. But there isn’t much to change. I’m going to use the same strategy as always.
Anderson submits Sonnen in his last appearance, at UFC 117. Photo: publicity.
You’re undefeated in the UFC, having defended your title seven times. Are you still motivated to fight?
I’m motivated, because I do what I love and do best. It’s gratifying and it’s my main motivation.
Do you feel Vitor may want to take it to the ground? How are you preparing for that?
It’s impossible to foresee. I’m training on my feet, on my side, my back, underwater, with my feet on the wall. I’ve trained every which way possible. I just know it will be funny, as always.
This is considered the most heavily anticipated fight in history. How do you feel about that (see Belfort’s response here)?
It’s a much-awaited fight just like the others. A lot of people will watch it around the world and in Brazil. Let’s do it. Now it’s just about getting in there and fighting.