UFC 308 fighter opens up on crippling anxiety after four-fight skid, delivers powerful message on mental health
An MMA fighter who competed on the UFC 308 card recently became candid about suffering from anxiety. The individual also opened up about his mental health, saying that he will now prioritize himself over his fighting career.
The fighter in question is Bruno Silva, who squared up against Ismail Naurdiev in a middleweight bout on the preliminary card of UFC 308, which took place last Saturday in Abu Dhabi. After three rounds of action, Naurdiev was declared winner via unanimous decision.
Following his loss, Silva took to Instagram and released a post-fight statement, revealing his struggle with anxiety and issues he encountered during his UFC 308 bout.
''I’m very happy in my personal life and fulfilled as a man, but there’s been a few years that I have dealt with strong anxiety crisis inside the octagon...When the first round ended [at UFC 308], the crisis came, and I was very tired. It felt like my heart would come out of my mouth, and I feel bad. I lost my focus entirely.''
Silva then declared that he would take a break from fighting and concentrate on his health. The Brazilian also encouraged anyone experiencing the same situation as him to be upfront and fearlessly seek treatment.
''I have a life ahead of me and won’t fight again like this. I’ll ask for a break. I need some time. I need to check on my body, I need time for myself...To those who like me, and those who are embarrassed, ask for help. Don’t be embarrassed...Ask for help, talk about it...I’ll only fight again, you’ll only see me in the octagon again, when I’m healed.''
Check out Bruno Silva's comments below:
Silva was previously banned from active competition for six months for violating the UFC's anti-doping policy. The 35-year-old's suspension ended this month, and he is now on a four-fight losing streak with his defeat at UFC 308.
When Bruno Silva expressed his anger at Chris Weidman and Daniel Cormier
For context, Bruno Silva faced Chris Weidman earlier this year at UFC Atlantic City and suffered a unanimous decision loss, despite getting poked in the eyes multiple times, which most likely contributed to his loss.
Following that, Weidman appeared on the UFC 300 weigh-in broadcast beside Daniel Cormier, who mocked the entire eye poke incident.
In an interview with MMA Fighting prior to UFC 308, Silva criticized Weidman and Cormier, saying:
''When I go to bed at night, he’s the opponent I hate the most. I’ve fought many people, I have more than 30 MMA fights, but every time I think of him [Weidman] and [Daniel] Cormier, I feel anger...My God. Cormier, talk about an insufferable person.”