Anderson Silva (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Leading up to UFC 234, a narrative has formed that Anderson Silva is being ‘fed’ to Israel Adesanya, as a means to promote the rising star. But, the Brazilian legend and former middleweight champ doesn’t seem bothered by the UFC’s matchmaking.

The 43-year-old Silva will face the 29-year-old Adesanya at the February 9th event, which will take place in Melbourne, Australia. Recently Silva spoke with the media, and while discussing the fact he’s been booked to take on one of the fastest rising stars in the game, he said this (quote via MMA Junkie):

“Everybody’s talking about that,” Silva said. “But, in my point, I stay in this sport, I continue in this sport – thank you, God – and the new talent come. It’s natural I fight the young (versions), the new fighters and the new talent. I need to say thank you God for staying in shape (to fight) these young guys. Because it’s not easy. I stay in shape. I try to do my best every day. And let’s go see what happens in Australia.”

Adesanya has gone 4-0 since joining the UFC to move his MMA record to 15-0, and the vaunted kickboxer is a heavy favorite to defeat Silva (34-8, 1 no-contest) at UFC 234.