A defeated Silva was very impressed by what his opponent did in their main event encounter.
?Israel is very fast, he?s young and he has a great future inside the UFC,? Silva said at the UFC 234 post-fight press conference (via MMA Junkie). ?I talk to Israel about some things, ?Please, keep straight and don?t lose your focus, because you have amazing talent. Just keep doing.? Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But I?m very impressed because it was two generations inside the cage. It was a great show for everyone. I?m so happy.?
The duo wasn?t even supposed to headline the event, but was forced into the role after UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker was forced to pull out of the card.
Silva is hoping that Adesanya will one day get the opportunity to challenge for the UFC Middleweight Title.
?I?m very impressed because Israel gave me a good challenge inside the cage,? Silva said. ?For a long time I don?t feel the same challenge in my life. I?m very impressed. I respect Israel. He?s a great guy and has a future in this sport and hopefully he comes to fight for the belt and win.?
Adesanya recently declared himself the number one contender to the UFC Middleweight Title and is #5 in the UFC Middleweight Division rankings.