Silva Grounded Ahead of Rematch with Okami at UFC 134

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Anderson Silva has little left to accomplish in the world of mixed martial arts.

The UFC's reigning middleweight champion, “The Spider” has yet to lose during his five-year career with the promotion, while demolishing nearly all who have challenged him. When tested, the Brazilian has found a way to persevere through technique and toughness. Silva possesses a rare blend of speed and coordination that has won him 14 consecutive fights and catapulted him to the top of many pound-for-pound lists.

According to UFC president Dana White, even Silva's pound-for-pound status may not adequately describe just how dominant the champ has been. And the UFC boss predicts that Silva's popularity will only climb following his participation in UFC 134 Aug. 27 at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

“This is a guy who has done things to people that nobody has ever done before. In my opinion, [Silva] is the greatest fighter in MMA history,” said White at the UFC 134 press conference in Rio on Thursday. “Right now, he's the best fighter in world, pound-for-pound, period. I think Brazil will embrace him [at UFC 134]. After seeing a live event, people will wake up and realize it's not only [about] the sport, but it's also [about] the people involved.”

Despite the champion's dominance in recent years, he has yet to conquer the man currently gunning for his title. A smothering judoka with rapidly improving stand-up and wrestling, Yushin Okami represents perhaps the last true contender in a division that has been thoroughly cleaned out by the champion.

Okami and Silva have met once before, with Okami walking away the controversial victor after Silva knocked him nearly unconscious with a heel kick off his back. As Okami was on his knees, the cracking shot to his jaw was deemed illegal. Unable to continue, the Japanese middleweight was awarded the bout and advanced to the next round of the Rumble on the Rock 175-pound tournament.

Today at the UFC 134 press conference, both men spoke respectfully of each other, but it was clear that there is still unfinished business left to be settled. This was evidenced when Silva was asked about Okami as an opponent and his 2006 “loss” to the judoka.

“[Okami] is a great fighter, and I respect him highly,” said Silva. “This is a big opportunity for both Okami and me, because Brazil and Japan are going through important phases -- Brazil because of the UFC's presence, and Japan because it is traditional in martial arts and is going through a hard time. I’m training hard to fight my opponent, but we'll only find out the result at the end.

“And just to correct you, I did not lose.”

Minutes later during the conference, one Brazilian asked a question directed at Okami that turned the fighter's usual smile into a look of intensity and confusion. The reporter in question wondered aloud if Okami would need to wear any protective gear for the bout, implying that Okami would need the extra protection if he planned on facing the champion. While no clear answer was given to the query, it was clear that Okami was not flattered by the question.

In recent years, the Japanese import has trained for stretches at Team Quest in Gresham, Ore., beginning the practice in 2009 following a loss to Chael Sonnen. After being outwrestled for three rounds at UFC 104, Okami asked Sonnen if he could train at his gym, and the American obliged. The following year, Sonnen would have his shot against Silva, instigating some loud, pre-fight hype. With the bad blood flowing, Sonnen nearly defeated the champion before famously succumbing to a triangle choke in the final frame of their UFC 117 affair.

Now, many are using Okami's affiliation with Silva's known nemesis as fuel for a rivalry between “The Spider” and “Thunder.” According to Silva, however, Okami's choice of training partners is a decision that does not affect him emotionally.

“He chose to train with Team Quest, a great team of champions,” said Silva. “It's a normal thing [to do]. He's looked for best place in his opinion to train, and I’ve been training with my team [in the same way].”

As for the future, Silva shies away from predictions. If he should get past Okami in August, there would be few challenges remaining at 185 pounds. However, as he has stated in the past, the champion claims he has no desire to contend in any division other than middleweight out of respect for his teammates.

“I intend to stay at this weight. We have 'Minotauro' and [Rafael] 'Feijao,' [on our team], and we take [our brotherhood] really seriously,” said Silva. “There is a respect amongst us. I don't have any intention to fight in [my friends' weight] categories. I hope to retire [as a middleweight].”

According to Silva, the most important motivating factor for his future lies not in the in cage, but outside of it. The champion credits his friends, family and teammates for his unparalleled UFC success, and regardless of his outcome with Okami, the Brazilian seems content not just with his career, but also with his life.

“I think to get to [this level] is complicated. Thank God I have good friends. I have a strong reference in 'Minotauro,' who always makes sure we know who we are. Yesterday I felt like a white belt, but that's natural. I know where I came from,” said Silva.

“My biggest motivation is to wake up everyday and do what I do well. [I like to] train and to be with people who have cared about me from the beginning. My biggest [inspiration] is 'Minotauro.' If not for him, [many of us] wouldn't be where we are today. [I’m thankful that] I’m perfect [in health], and that I can punch, jump, kick, smile and do my work well.”