• UFC 153

Erick Silva: Fitch has never faced a guy like me

ESPN staff
October 11, 2012
Erick Silva submitted Charlie Brenneman last time out © Getty Images
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Erick Silva has underlined the confidence he has in his own ability, claiming not even Georges St-Pierre possesses the type of movement that he will exhibit against Jon Fitch this weekend.

Silva is tipped to become a welterweight sensation in the UFC, having lost only one of his last 12 fights - and even that defeat came via disqualification.

On Saturday he faces his true acid test against long-time No. 2 in the welterweight division: Jon Fitch. The fight will test Silva's ability to see off grinding wrestlers, as well as examine his ability to work off his back - something he may need if he is to face champion St-Pierre in the future.

His own talents are burgeoning though, with lethal striking allied to slick submissions, all built on an extremely powerful core. Fitch has the bigger names on his CV, but Silva is convinced the American will never have met anybody like him when they square off in Rio.

"He never faced a guy who moves like me," Silva said. "He's very good on controlling the clinch and taking people down, but for it to happen he needs to reach me first.

"Of course this is a 15-minute fight, and perhaps he can find the perfect time, but I'm prepared to defend and to fight wherever I need to. Fitch is a good with his gameplan, but I'm explosive and confident.

"Fitch will face the best Erick Silva who ever stepped into the Octagon. Each fight I evolve, I get stronger, and I've dealt nicely with the weight cut. I'm coming from three good fights and I'm very excited for this challenge. I'm pumped."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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