Thiago Silva: I'll be the last one standing at UFC 94
LAS VEGAS - Lyoto Machida (13-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) is elusive, that Thiago Silva (13-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) knows.
But while many MMA observers continue to debate whether Machida's defensive style is an impressive display of technical prowess or a prime example of avoiding a fight, Silva has his mind made up.
"I know a lot of fans don't like Machida's style because he's always running and winning the fights by decision," Silva recently told MMAjunkie.com (
www.mmajunkie.com). "I don't like it either."
The two undefeated Brazilian light-heavyweights will meet Saturday in the co-main event of "UFC 94: St. Pierre vs. Penn II" in Las Vegas. Silva believes the contrast between his aggressive, attacking style and Machida's defensive, elusive gameplan will make for a complete test.
"I definitely study my opponents," Silva said. "I'm a complete fighter, and I can adjust to whatever position or situation comes in the fight. I'm the kind of fighter that is always open to learn more. You will see a new Thiago Silva on Saturday night.
"But I think this fight is going to be more psychological than physical. I'm ready for that. I trained a lot, and I won't let this fight go to a decision."
Machida has established himself as contender in the UFC's 205-pound division with five straight wins in the UFC. But four of those wins -- and eight of Machida's 13 career victories -- have come by decision. Silva doesn't believe that style is acceptable for a potential UFC champion.
And while Machida has been frequently mentioned for a potential shot at Rashad Evans' UFC title with a win on Saturday night, no such deal has been offered to Silva. But the 26-year-old said he intends to expose the holes in Machida's game -- and earn his own title shot in the process.
"People have made Lyoto into being something special, and he's really not," Silva said. "Comparing him to me, Lyoto has won most of his fights by decision. If you see my record, I've won 10 of my 13 fights by knockout.
"I feel have the right to fight for the title after this fight, and I'm going to knock Machida out so I can show that I am the next one in line for the title."
Silva and Machida were scheduled to meet at UFC 89 in October 2008. That bout was scrapped when Silva was forced to withdraw after injuring his back in training. Silva said the injury will not be a factor on Saturday and that the extra time only served to make him a better fighter.
"I had an inflammation of the muscles in my back," Silva said. "That was the reason I had to cancel the fight. I had to stop my training to take care of that. But now I am 1,000 percent ready for the fight.
"It was just rehabilitation, and I'll actually be even better than I would have been. I took the time to train and take care of my injuries. I'm ready for this fight."
Silva has fought on the main card twice already in his UFC career. And while the matchup with Machida will be the Brazilian's first time in a co-main event bout, Silva said he is comfortable with the situation.
"There's no pressure by being in the co-main event before Penn vs. St. Pierre," Silva said. "This is the fifth time I've fought in the UFC. I'm prepared for this fight. It's just extra motivation.
"I'm happy. I want to fight right now."
Silva has won four straight contests since his May 2007 UFC debut. All four wins have come by stoppage, including three in the first round. And while Silva has seen the third round only once in his 13 career bouts -- compared with Machida's nine visits to the final period in that same span -- the American Top Team product said he is prepared to go the distance with "The Dragon."
"I am prepared to fight the full three rounds and go after him the whole time," Silva said. "I'm going to the octagon to fight. If I need to go after him for three rounds, I can. If that happens, I'll win a decision.
"But I'm going for the knockout. The way I see it, there will be just one fighter left standing on Saturday."