Sherdog.com: You have always said that you do not like Belfort very much. Do you think your rivalry will be as strong during the season
Silva: No, times are different. I met him and apologized. Once in Las Vegas, I was disrespectful. I went back to old times and talked some nonsense. Then I apologized and admitted I had done wrong. You have to be man enough to take responsibility. It’s alright now, and we’ll solve it the way we have to: by trading punches (laughs). I have the best job in the world. I can go in there, settle my differences the best way possible and still make some money.
Sherdog.com: What are your thoughts on how UFC light heavyweight champion Jones has performed?
Silva: It has been impressive. [Lyoto] Machida did the best so far. He won the first round and landed more blows.
Sherdog.com: Do you think the fight between Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Henderson at UFC 139 should have been ruled a draw?
Silva: I think so. I think there should be a rematch. I wanted the rematch yesterday. Shogun did not have his best night, although he fought well. He fought with heart. Against Forrest [Griffin at UFC 134], he was at 70 or 80 percent. Against “Hendo,” he was 50 to 60 percent. He stayed in the fight because he’s a phenom, but he was far from his best. Shogun has a lot to revamp in his training. Everyone believes he can beat anyone at 100 percent, so he has to go into these fights at 100 percent. I was sad about his loss. I went into the locker room and saw him hurting. It broke my heart because he didn’t have to go through that. And Hendo cannot take three rounds from Shogun. I’ve trained with Mauricio and faced Hendo twice. Shogun is the most talented guy I’ve ever seen. I was watching video of the Pride Shogun and saw a strong Shogun. Under these conditions, he can defeat Jones. He’s the guy to beat the champion, but he has to be 100 percent.
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