Following his release from the UFC, Bruno Silva is considering the possibility that he might not compete again, a prospect he finds peace with.
Known as “Blindado”, Silva was aware that a loss in his UFC 315 middleweight bout against Marc-Andre Barriault would likely result in his departure from the organization, as it represented a final opportunity granted by matchmaker Mick Maynard. He subsequently suffered the first knockout loss of his professional career in that fight.
The severe knockout loss led to Silva being stretchered out of the octagon, although he reported feeling significantly better within hours of the incident.
Returning to Curitiba, Brazil, where he trained under long-time coach Andre Dida, Silva has opted to take a break from competition for approximately two years, setting aside thoughts of fighting during this period.
In a video shared on social media on Wednesday, Silva stated, “Perhaps I will return, perhaps not. But even if I don`t, I am content. I believe I accomplished all I set out to do. I consistently approached my career with great responsibility and dedication. There are no lingering doubts; I feel I gave my utmost. Therefore, I feel a sense of relief. My story, my legacy, has been established.”
Silva also revealed plans to move from his current home back to his native Cajazeiras to be closer to his mother. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be near family again, over ten years after relocating to Curitiba to pursue a career in fighting.
“I`m not announcing retirement because I haven`t retired. I haven`t decided yet,” Silva clarified. “However, I will take a pause. A chapter is concluding here in Curitiba after 11 years under the guidance of my coach, `Dida`, who is like a friend. I am returning to the Northeast. I promised my mother I wouldn`t come back until I was financially secure, and I feel incredibly fortunate that God has allowed me to return home while my mother is still with us and in good health. I left my home in Cajazeiras in 2013 to chase my aspirations, and I`ve achieved them all. Seeing my mother well, happy, and healthy, my brother, my growing nephews, my daughter – I realize there is still so much left for me to experience in life.”
Silva (with a record of 23-13) joined the UFC roster in 2021, following a streak of four consecutive knockout victories, including notable wins in Russia against Alexander Shlemenko and Artem Frolov. He continued this impressive run by securing knockout finishes in his first three UFC appearances, which ultimately led to a matchup with future champion Alex Pereira.
“Blindado” engaged in a fifteen-minute stand-up battle with “Poatan” but ultimately lost by decision. He then suffered a subsequent defeat to Gerald Meerschaert. Silva briefly recovered with a first-round knockout victory over Brad Tavares before experiencing five consecutive losses.
Turning 36 in July, Silva has been candid about the mental health challenges he has faced in recent years. He expressed hope that sharing his experiences might encourage others to persevere through their own difficulties.
“Should the passion for fighting remain and I fully recover from panic attacks, I might consider returning to competition in two years,” Silva commented. “There are various avenues. I`m interested in professional boxing. Promotions like PFL and ONE are also options that would likely welcome me. However, for now, I`m taking a step back. My life will still involve active training, as I genuinely enjoy it; it`s my therapy and way of life. Sports have been a part of me since childhood. I believe God has placed supportive people in my path, and I hope to continue being a positive influence and assisting others through Him. I want my journey to inspire future generations, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, whatever their chosen path.”
Marcus Blakely