Gabriel Silva, son of UFC legend Anderson Silva, aims to expand his father’s legacy into boxing by challenging Anthony Taylor for the Misfits light heavyweight title and ultimately aspires to become a world champion in the sport.
Gabriel Silva, son of UFC legend Anderson Silva, steps back into the boxing ring this Saturday. He faces Anthony Taylor for the Misfits light heavyweight title at X Series 17 in Dublin, Ireland. Silva dreams of holding world titles one day.
So far, Silva has triumphed in three boxing matches, both professional and exhibition. He aims to “expand” his father’s legacy into a new sport after Anderson’s historic MMA success.
“That’s my final goal, to be world champion [in boxing],” Silva told MMA Fighting. “I’ve trained with world champions before, tested myself against them, and I know I have what it takes.”
Growing up, Silva watched his father defend the UFC middleweight title. He was often in the arena for many of those wins but doesn’t plan on starting a career in mixed martial arts.
“Growing up with my father and my family, I’ve always had this martial arts mindset,” Silva said. “I’ve fought kickboxing and Muay Thai, plan on competing in jiu-jitsu at some point, and maybe fight MMA as well, but just for the experience.”
Silva has shared the ring with WBO and IBF middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly (15-0) and WBO Global super welterweight champion Slawa Spomer (19-0). Training with them boosted his confidence to pursue gold.
“[Alimkhanuly] is a tough guy, very skilled,” Silva said. “We did six tough rounds. It was great experience. I’ve also sparred with champions from Germany like Slawa Spomer at Brickhouse in North Hollywood.”
Misfits considered an event in Brazil earlier this year and tried to add Anderson Silva to the card. It didn’t materialize. The UFC veteran ended up competing against Chael Sonnen at Spaten Fight Night in June instead.
Gabriel leaves the door open to possibly share a card with his father someday. He has one familiar name in mind for Anderson’s dream boxing match: Roy Jones Jr.
“Fighting is air for my father; he can’t live without it,” Silva said. “Several opponents are possible, but I’d love to see him fight Roy Jones Jr. They’re both super technical.”
For now, Gabriel focuses on clinching his first title belt in boxing live on DAZN PPV. He respects Taylor as an opponent. Taylor is undertaking a quick turnaround after defending his Misfits belt earlier this month.
“He has kind of adjusted a few things in his game,” Silva said. “He was doing more clinch work before and ended up finishing the guy. He’s changed a bit, coming more aggressive, but we’re ready for this.”