Quit, Silva

DANA: TIME FOR SPIDER TO STOP

ANDERSON SILVA should retire from mixed martial arts following his unsuccessful final foray into the octagon.

That’s the view of UFC president Dana White following the Brazilian’s fourth- round TKO loss to Uriah Hall last Sunday in the main event of UFC Fight Night 181 in Las Vegas.

Defeat to ‘ Primetime’ was the former middleweight champion’s fifth loss in his last six outings.

And with the benefit of hindsight, White admits he was wrong to give ‘ The Spider’ another crack in the promotion.

“When the fight was over, he couldn’t even stand up to do his interview,” White ( inset) said. “I made a big mistake and I shouldn’t have let him fight this fight.

“He’s a legend of this sport and he’s a legend of this company and I did something I disagreed with. I knew I was right. He should never fight again.”

White is adamant Silva, 45, shouldn’t be fighting at this stage of his life, adding: “He’s almost 46 years old. Unless you’re trying to defend your life or save your family, no one at 46 should be fighting.” Silva – who went on a stunning 16- bout win streak from 2006 until 2013 – has one fight left on his current contract with the UFC. White has no intention of allowing the future hall- of- famer to compete in the octagon again but won’t stop him from fighting for another promotion.

He said: “I’m not trying to prevent him from doing anything. He’s a grown man, he can do what he wants and he’s got one fight left with us.

“I’ll never let him fight here again. I want him to retire. And what I hope is when he goes home, he tells his family that same thing.” Fan favourite Silva is unsure what the future holds for him but admits he will find it hard to walk away.

“First I’ll go back home and see my team,” he said. “It’s tough to say if it’s my last or not.”

‘ UNLESS YOU ARE DEFENDING YOUR FAMILY, NO ONE AT 46 SHOULD BE FIGHTING’