• UFC 126

Victory not enough for Silva against Belfort

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Anderson Silva has revealed he will try to turn on the style despite the potentially lethal nature of his opponent at UFC 126.

On February 5 Silva fights The Phenom Vitor Belfort, a man who is known for his devastating hands, having knocked out his last three opponents. At 33 years of age Belfort has been in the Octagon with the sport's best, including Randy Couture, and he boasts a huge threat to Silva's UFC middleweight championship.

However, that will not stop Silva looking for more than just a victory in Las Vegas, where he bids for an eighth successful title defence. The Brazilian has mixed the kind of brilliance that embarrassed Forrest Griffin with less impressive displays of showmanship like his mocking of Demian Maia in recent bouts, and he insists he is not just coming to fight.

"For me, every time I go out there it's about more than just winning the fight," explained the champion. "It's about sending a positive message and leaving a message behind of what I was able to do in there.

"People put a lot of focus on having the belt. I don't believe that having the belt determines the type of fighter or type of person that you are. I try to set an example for the young fighters that are coming up and leave a legacy of what I've been able to do in this sport."

Silva's passion for the sport has been questioned after recent displays against Chael Sonnen and Maia, and the 35-year-old is well aware that critics believe he is beatable following his last-gasp win at UFC 117.

"After the Chael fight everybody thinks I'm human again and anything can happen. I could be knocked out, I could be submitted," said Silva. "I'm not concerned about who my next opponent is. He's a dangerous opponent just like the rest. Whoever they put in front of me, I'm here to fight.

"It's every athlete's dream to end his career as champion, just like it is mine. However, in this sport it's very difficult."

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