Anderson Silva promises a fight to remember against Bruno Machado on Burj Al Arab helipad

Anderson Silva feels “so blessed to put on a show for everyone” at the inaugural Global Titans Fight Series on the Burj Al Arab helipad this weekend, while stressing he still respects the UFC despite recent comments apparently criticising the promotion.

The former UFC middleweight champion, who has crossed to boxing since leaving the company in 2020, takes part in Saturday night’s “The Showcase in the Skies of Dubai”, the first in a new combat-sports series by Global Titans.

Appearing on the same bill as boxing great Floyd Mayweather, Silva faces UAE Warriors lightweight champion Bruno Machado in an exhibition boxing match. The fight night, which features four bouts, is billed as the world’s first NFT (non-fungible token) pay-per-view sports event.

“For me, it’s so amazing,” Silva told The National. “Because I work hard my entire life for my sport, for combat sports, and this is the new opportunity. Everything I do inside my sport is for inspiring others; it’s not just another fight, but inspiring people to do something.

“Anybody can do anything in their life if you believe in yourself, if you put into your heart into something clean and true.

“And that’s why I’m here, one more time in Dubai. I have a lot of friends here, I feel Dubai is my second home and I’m so happy to be here – especially to fight on this amazing card on this amazing space, on top of the world. I’m so excited, so happy and so blessed.”

Silva, 47, knows Machado well having trained with his fellow Brazilian back in their homeland a decade ago. Machado, who captured the UAE Warriors lightweight title two years ago, moved to the UAE in 2013 and is based in Abu Dhabi.

“Bruno is an amazing fighter,” Silva said. “He is a specialist in MMA, he has a good