Anderson Silva

By FCF Staff

Three MMA executives have said they won’t be extending contract offers to the legendary Anderson Silva, following his UFC release. But, RIZIN FF Founder and President Nobuyuki Sakakibara is reporting he’s interested in signing the 45-year-old star.

Silva is coming off a stoppage loss to Uriah Hall last month, which initially, was marketed as ‘The Spider’s’ final fight. As the event neared, however, the former middleweight champ didn’t commit to whether the fight would be his last or not.

Following the loss, it was reported that Silva has been released by the UFC. Silva has also announced that he wants to keep fighting.

Bellator’s Scott Coker, ONE Championship’s Chatri Sityodtong and the PFL’s Ray Sefo have all said their respective promotions won’t be signing the legend. But, in a statement to My MMA News, Sakakibara said this:

“I have great memories with Anderson Silva during the PRIDE days and in my personal opinion, I think his career took off in Japan. I have heard that Japan has a special part in his heart as well. I do feel that I would like to help him fulfill his wishes out of respect for what he has accomplished and what he has done for our sport. I haven’t talked to him yet but I would be interested to see if we can come up with something that makes sense for him to start his final chapter in Japan.”

Silva (34-11, 1 no-contest) has gone 2-7, with one no-contest, in his last 10 fights.