“(Nam) needs to be cautious about everything: kicks, right hand, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, everything,” Silva said.
Before Silva secured his win over Buys, he had lost two in a row to Tagir Ulankbekov and David Dvorak, in addition to a no contest against Khalid Taha. Taking inspiration from former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, Silva sees a lot of similarities between him and his compatriot, and he is proud of where he is in career now, despite all the obstacles he may have faced.
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“I’m definitely happier,” Silva said. “Being here is already a dream come true. Everything I’ve been through, I had three performances that weren’t so good. I even thought I’d get released. I came back and won two bonuses. I’m living my dream.”
And, of course, earning an extra $50,000 isn’t bad motivation to get you back to doing what you love and back inside the Octagon. It may have given Silva a little extra push that he needed, and he is happier than ever to be back.
He is here to give the flyweight division a message with a victory on Saturday night.
“I’m going to the top 15 or even top 10,” Silva said. Watch out guys, I’m coming! Everybody, watch out. “I’m getting a KO in the first round, mark my words.”