There was lots of Brazilian press at Mandalay Bay on Wednesday for the UFC 126 press conference and for good reason. This Saturday’s “UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort” fight card features a main event between two of the biggest MMA stars to ever come out of the country.

UFC middleweight champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva kept his best poker face on as he hid behind dark sunglasses. The often jovial champ was all business. His mood was somber and his answers, for the most part, were relatively short and to the point.

The champ’s shades came off once the press conference had ended and it was time to face off with his opponent for a photo-op. Silva  looked sternly down  his nose at Vitor Belfort, he stared long and hard and the vibe was thick and apparent. “You are in my house and you will respect me,” is what Silva shouted without uttering a word.

A replay of the UFC 126 pre-fight press conference is already available in our UFC ROOM. A few notes and quotes from the presser are listed below.

Anderson Silva

He’s a worthy contender. He’s in good condition and he’s (Anderson) is ready for him.

The belt is a symbol of what I’m living every day. I’m there to put on the best performance I can.

In Brazil, a lot of people are talking about this fight. This fight has two of Brazil’s best ever fighters.

What’s important to me is to be remembered as better than I am today.

Of course, Vitor is one of Brazil’s best all-time fighters.

On being the greatest fight of the decade: There’s a lot of great fights. The greatest fight of the decade would be me fighting my clone.

On making sacrifices: Being away from my family, the bumps, the bruises. But I’m fortunate because I love what I do and I have a lot of friends in this business and it’s always great to work with your friends.

With UFC coming to Brazil it’s a great opportunity to break down a lot of barriers in Brazil and the whole world.

Vitor is a great fighter like a lot of the fighters I’ve faced and I think it will be fun.

Vitor Belfort

I’m there to fight, I’m going to do my best. I’m 100%.

I don’t have pressure. I don’t have to impress anyone. … I’m having fun. If I get a cut, I don’t care. … You guys spent a lot of money to come here. … That’s the only thing Dana and the Fertitta’s require of the fighters [to fight].

One time in my life… When I met Jesus. The main thing is I’m always seeking to evolve in every area of my life.

Randy, Ray Sefo, Neal, Pedro my cousin will be in my corner.

The belt for me is a conquer. It’s like when you conquer something,and make it to the top of the mountain. There’s a lot of people that help you get there. And that’s the way I see it.

In life we experience good and bad. Without sacrifice, we can’t achieve anything.

I know Anderson has improved his game so much. … I’m expecting a great fight and my expectations is to do what I know I can do and go there and fight.

Ryan Bader

That’s fine. Whatever a fighter needs to get up for a fight. … I don’t really need that. I don’t really worry about it. (Jon Jones saying he was obsessed with Bader)

I like playing the underdog. … He deserves all the credit he’s been getting.

He’s got the longest reach in the UFC and if you let him get off, he’s very talented and unorthodox. … If you stay outside he can use his kicks and his reach.

Jon Jones

I try not to look at an opponent as a big name. I fight their body, not their name. … This is just another fight and I’m going to try and do what I usually do.

Dana White

We’re sold out. Super Bowl weekend is a great weekend for us. A stacked card Saturday night, then Super Bowl on Sunday.

It’s long overdue for us to do a fight in Brazil.

Rich Franklin

On a title shot: I never look beyond my immediate goal. I definitely have to get through Forrest first.

He will be probably be 20 or 30 pounds heavier on fight night.

Forrest Griffin

We’re kind of a jack of all trades a master of none.

All the ingredients are there, I just hope the cake turns out.

If you’re away from something long enough you miss it and get hungry for it.

Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto

I didn’t think my weight was going to happen in the UFC so I’m glad. I’m happy I can fight the same night as these great fighters.

Demetrious Johnson

It’s a dream come true. … I expect the best “Kid” to show up.

I expect him to come out there and be the “Kid” everyone hopes to show up.

3 thoughts on “UFC 126 pre-fight press conference notes & photos”
  1. […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jack Bratcher, Travis Walker. Travis Walker said: Pro MMA Now – UFC 126 pre-fight press conference notes: There was lots of Brazilian press at Mandalay Bay o… http://bit.ly/f8FbO3 #MMA […]

  2. “On being the greatest fight of the decade: There’s a lot of great fights. The greatest fight of the decade would be me fighting my clone.”

    How very modest of him.

  3. That face off between Silva vs Belfort is of one the coolest I’ve seen in years. My bet is on Silva, don’t reckon Belfort will stand up to The Spyder’s level.

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