Anderson Silva: Fans Will 'Go Crazy' For Khbabez Showdown
Anderson “Braddock” Silva believes he is a perfect match for Tarik “The Tank” Khbabez, which means their light heavyweight kickboxing clash at ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST will thrill their fans.
The 32-year old Brazilian is now preparing for his second ONE Super Series appearance this Saturday, 15 June in Shanghai, China, and anyone who saw his last contest knows to expect some heavy leather to be thrown at the Baoshan Arena.
In April at ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR, Silva made short work of colossal Australian Andre “The Giant” Meunier with a sensational stoppage after just 74 seconds.
The finish was the culmination of a hard training camp, and Silva says he could not have imagined a better start inside the ONE Circle than a first-round knockout. However, he knows he needs to keep winning to reach the top on the global stage.
“A few months ago, I made my debut in ONE, which is the best event I’ve ever attended,” Silva says.
“The fight went exactly how we trained and hoped for it to happen. We also prepared for a longer bout, but it was okay.
“I do not think that only this knockout has promoted me, I think my whole career promotes me. Of course, the first impression I made in ONE will help a lot, but the goal is to maintain this [level of performance].”
It may also come as a surprise to read that the perfectly-placed punch that closed the show and gave Silva the 51st win of his career was not the highlight of his night.
Instead, the man from Sao Paulo most fondly remembers the way his new organization reflected the values he has come to embody after almost two decades of practicing martial arts.
“Introducing myself to ONE was wonderful – its respect for the athletes was something that made me remember the real reason for martial arts,” he says.
“In other organizations, everything moves around money, [there is] no respect or virtue of the martial arts, and no one is totally [consumed by] the fire and the will to conquer the world.
“It makes me very happy to [be in ONE]. They brought back the honor of martial arts, and the world needs it. Money and fame [are important], but respect and honor come first.”
This Saturday, Silva has another opportunity to shine in ONE Super Series against one of its most impressive competitors in the form of Khbabez.
“Braddock” admits he did not know much about the Moroccan when he was offered the match-up but a quick look at his opponent’s past performances – including three wins in the Circle – let him know he is a dangerous man.
It also gave him the idea – just like “The Tank” – that this should be a crowd-pleasing battle.
“By what we studied, Tarik is very dangerous because he just goes forward and is determined,” Silva says.
“I believe that my game is very similar to Tarik. I feel very comfortable in the fight, and this [will] make the fans go crazy.
“I really have no idea how this fight is going to play out, but I’m prepared for every situation. Let’s do our best to make the fans happy.”
Aside from a victory, the only thing Silva wants from this contest is to walk away in good health so he can begin filling up his schedule for the rest of the year.
After making a relatively quick return to action after his last bout, Silva hopes to do the same after ONE: LEGENDARY QUEST to show the world what kind of competitor he is, and build towards his sport’s top prize.
“I do not know where a win against Tarik leads me, but I’m a fighter, and I’m willing and ready to fight whenever ONE wants me,” he adds.
“If this win gets me closer to the World Title, I’ll be happy, but my goal is to do what I want. I’m happy to fight.”
