Not only did Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva’s big break come in the form of a move from Strikeforce to the UFC, it also, at least in the Brazilian fighter’s mind, necessitated further moves in his career.
Silva split away from his training camp with the Blackzilians, heading back to his old stomping grounds at American Top Team.
It wasn’t a major move in location; both teams are based in Florida where Silva resides. But it was something that Silva felt was necessary, especially when considering that former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem also made the move to the UFC… and signed on to train with the Blackzilians.
“I always take care with my camp and make sure I’m surrounded with the right people,” Silva commented at Tuesday’s UFC 146 press conference in Las Vegas.
It wasn’t that he didn’t feel he was surrounded by good people, good training partners, with the Blackzilians, the issue arose when Overeem joined the team. Silva just did what he felt was best for his future.
“I think it’s inevitable, Alistair Overeem and I are on a collision course and there is the possibility of us fighting one another one day,” explained Silva. “So when I heard he was going (to the Blackzilians), I decided to take my camp elsewhere.”
Most fighters that train together are reluctant to fight one another in the cage, where there is an unleashed aggression that is typically harnessed in training.
Silva’s solution was simply to pack his bags and go back home, to American Top Team, where he knows he’ll still get the training he needs to realize his dream.
“Every athlete dreams of being in the best organization and I’m here now in the best MMA organization,” said Silva. “So I’m gonna give my all. I’m gonna give 100 percent to give you guys great fights while I’m here in the UFC.”
Follow @KenPishna on Twitter or e-mail Ken Pishna.
For more UFC News and UFC Rumors, follow MMAWeekly.com on Twitter and Facebook.