Silva On Jones: He’s My Friend, But He Needs to Change

Anderson Silva made a triumphant return to the octagon tonight when he defeated Nick Diaz at UFC 183. After the bout, he ran out of the octagon and embraced UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.

When asked why he did that, Silva answered in a serious and concerned tone. However, the concern was only half about the lifestyle Jon Jones led. Silva also expressed concern for the people who were so interested in the issues going on in the champ’s life. Silva stated, “Jones is my friend. I talk to Jones all the time. He’s young. All the people talk, ‘oh Jon Jones this’— All the people have problems. I have problems, all the people here have problems. Jones is no bad.”

Silva continued, “When I talk to Jones I say, ‘Bro, I like you bro. You need to change because all the kids watching you, the family watching you— stop. You’re too young. You’re the best fighter now. You need to change everything.”