Anderson Silva Claims UFC Doesn’t Feel Like Family Under Dana White

It’s no wonder that a lot of fighters have raised concerns regarding how they are treated inside the UFC. Earlier this year, fighters such as Jorge Masvidal and former light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones came out in public to raise their voice against the promotion and President Dana White.

Even former dual champion Conor McGregor took to Twitter to express his displeasure. Furthermore, former interim champion Tony Ferguson lashed out at Dana White in light of the recent debate about who should fight for the UFC lightweight title next.

If a lot of fighters are coming out with similar problems, citing issues with the company, and how they deal with their fighters, certainly something is wrong. Raising the same issue was none other than former middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

He said, “I think the UFC changed for me when Lorenzo came out. Lorenzo tried to put inside the UFC the big family, and right now it’s completely different, but I continue to fight inside the UFC because I have a lot of friends, and I feel the same family. But, yeah, of course, it’s changed a lot when Lorenzo is not inside.” 

Silva added, “I think Lorenzo and the Fertitta brothers, who (were) the owners of the UFC. The relationship with fighters was more close. Especially for me. I love Dana (White). But Lorenzo and his brother (were) very close to the fighters. They tried to make the UFC fighters part of the UFC family.”

Anderson Silva will take on Uriah Hall in his retirement fight

‘The Spider’s’ relationship with the UFC goes back to the time when the promotion was starting to find its footing in the mainstream media. Additionally, Anderson Silva was one of the very few fighters who put UFC on the map. He has had a glittering career and despite a recent slump, he remains one of the best in the business.

Anderson Silva is set to take on Uriah Hall in the main-event inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas this Saturday. The former middleweight champion will look to finish his career with a winning note. Even at 45, ‘The Spider’ continues to compete against the best in the middleweight division. His fans will hope to see him wind back the clock and treat them to a fitting finale in the main event.