Bruno Silva has spent most of his MMA career training with former UFC two-weight champion Henry Cejudo, but he's decided to change direction in 2024.
“The Bulldog,” who is scheduled to fight Cody Darden this Saturday at UFC Las Vegas 94, spoke to MMA Fighting about why he chose to move from Arizona to Florida earlier this year to join American Top Team.
“There are a lot of great fighters here,” Silva said of ATT. “We have three world champions here: Alexandre Pantoja, Adriano Moraes and Kyoji Horiguchi. One of the reasons I came here is because my weight class is really strong. The numbers speak for the quality here. I can't say this was the best.” [at Fight Ready] If only the champion was here.”
Silva has known Pantoja for years, dating back to when the UFC flyweight champion made his Octagon debut. Ultimate Fighter 24 Former UFC contender Jussier Formiga will be in his corner after being coached by Cejudo and working with the jiu-jitsu ace at the camp, while striking coach Anderson Franca and Bellator veteran Danny Sabatello were also key members of the camp.
“I'd always heard great things about this place,” Silva said, “and I absolutely love Arizona. I spent nine years in Fight Ready with Cejudo and loved the guys there. But I did the math and realized it made sense to move here. It's close to Brazil, so it's easy to visit family, the weather's great, there's a beach, the biggest gym in the world. There are no taxes in Florida and the gym fees are 5 percent, half of what I was paying.” [at Fight Ready]So I moved to a better place and ended up saving money. I really love it there, but it's important to change for the better.”
Silva has finished his last three fights at UFC, earning a $50,000 bonus for each win, but has not fought in over a year as “The Bulldog” has taken care of his body and multiple fights have fallen through in that time, including a matchup with Darden in September 2023. They will finally meet on Saturday, and Silva is looking to get the job done and stay in action.
“I want to get another knockout and get another bonus,” Silva said of his plans for UFC Las Vegas 94. “I don't know how many rounds it will be or what it will feel like, but I know it will happen. I'm ready. It's been one of the best camps I've ever had and now I'm very happy to be fighting and making money. It's a dream come true, so I have to be happy. I'm not complaining.”
