Ländle-Brazilian Da Silva in the footsteps of McGregor
MMA superstar McGregor makes the leap into the elite promotion UFC via Cage Warriors. The 27-year-old Shawn Da Silva, who is about to have his second fight there, is also hoping for this career boost. The flyweight fighter is particularly popular with the British with his Brazilian style.
Conor McGregor is the biggest name in mixed martial arts. The Irish cage fighter fascinates an audience of millions, but he also started out a little smaller - with Cage Warriors. The British promoter is regularly the precursor to the UFC for fighters from Europe. McGregor was followed by Arnold Allen, Paddy Pimblett and Ian Garry, who now also fight in the elite promotion. Shawn Da Silva, a German-Brazilian from the country, is now also on this stepping stone. With his second fight in London, the 27-year-old is looking to gain some serious momentum.
Da Silva fought his way into the hearts of British MMA fans back in March - and also danced a little. In a clash with the previously unbeaten Kiru Singh Sahota, the flyweight (up to 56.7 kilograms) from near Balingen put in an impressive performance in the cage, winning by technical knockout. Before and after the fight, the fans celebrated his dancing to samba music. "The Brazilians just have this rhythm and this joy," explained Da Silva in an interview with ntv.de with a slightly Swabian dialect.
His dream was actually to become a professional footballer. "Although I played at a high level, it wasn't quite enough in the end." He got into MMA through his brothers and the sport opened his eyes straight away. "I used to think that kung fu was the best way to defend myself. In my first Brazilian jiu-jitsu lesson, I was forced to give up 20 times in just a few minutes. That was humiliating in a way, but it really got me hooked on the sport."
Since his professional debut, the 27-year-old has entered the ring as "Vato Loco", which translates as "crazy guy". And what Da Silva shows in the ring is often characterized by crazy, unexpected actions. Although he prefers striking, he has a strong grappling coach in Peter Sobotta at Planet Eater Gym and can also cope with ground fighting and clinching.
In the cage, Brazilian lightness, fun in the sport and precise striking come together. A mix with which the fighter also wants to tackle a cliché of the sport. "Yes, it's a tough sport, but many people have the image that only prisoners and tattooed people fight. That's not true, of course. I want to show that you don't need an aggressive image. It's a competition and you're allowed to laugh sometimes."
The good humor that Da Silva conveys is well received - especially by the party-happy Brits. However, Da Silva was surprised by the positive feedback after his Cage Warriors debut. "England is simply a total sports nation. MMA is a bit more advanced there than in Germany. The fans support the fighters they like." Looking back, the decision to fight on the island was already a success, and now the 27-year-old wants to lay the foundations for his future career at Cage Warriors.
Da Silva: "I'm doing this for my family"
"My goal is to get into the UFC. I want to compete with the best people in the world and I simply believe that Cage Warriors can be the international stepping stone, as they also have events in Italy and the USA." Although Cage Warriors is not a huge financial success, the British promoter makes it easier for Silva to get into the cage regularly. In Germany, on the other hand, he has problems finding opponents in his weight class.
If things work out with the UFC, it's not just Da Silva who wants to benefit. "I'm also doing this for my family," he says. "I just want to give my parents a better life. I want my mom to stop working so much and have a comfortable life." He wants to become an MMA champion and inspire others, of course, but his family comes first. "It gives me strength and energy," says the 27-year-old.
Da Silva wants to take the next step on Saturday. He will face Gerardo Fanny on November 11 (7.30 pm/UFC Fight Pass), a much more experienced fighter. Da Silva has five professional fights under his belt, all of which he has won. Fanny already has 16 cage duels behind him (13 wins, 3 losses). However, the role of the underdog does not bother him. "You have to make the best of every situation. No one can help you in the ring anyway, it doesn't matter who is the favorite or the underdog. After a few punches and a few leg kicks, things look completely different. You can never feel too confident." If he wins against Dutchman Fanny, there will also be more dancing, promises Da Silva. After all, that's what the Ländle-Brazilian stands for.
Source: www.ntv.de
