Josh Silveira, the son of Conan Silveira, the founder of ATT (American Top Team), shared that his decision to pursue a career in MMA was not forced upon him. However, his mother had expressed her strong opposition to him fighting.
Reflecting on his mother’s concerns, Silveira revealed, “My mother urged me, ‘Son, please don’t pursue this MMA path. Try something else.'” Silveira contemplated becoming a doctor but realized his aversion to blood. While he could handle blood during fights, witnessing surgeries and similar procedures was not something he could endure. He humorously admitted, “There were fights where I won with head kicks, and upon seeing the other fighters’ faces, I would say, ‘Damn!’ Once the fight was over, I would apologize. It’s just a part of the sport – I’m not a bad guy, you know?”
Having previously achieved success as the LFA middleweight and light heavyweight champion, Silveira joined PFL in 2022. However, he fell short of reaching the light heavyweight playoff finals following a loss to his teammate Omari Akhmedov. Silveira made a triumphant return in the 2023 season with a first-round submission win over Sam Kei and is set to face Delan Monte at PFL 4 in Atlanta on Thursday.
Conan Silveira, Josh’s father and mentor, gained recognition as a professional fighter from 1995 to 2007, accumulating a record of 6-4 with 1 no-contest. However, his true success came as a head coach in Florida, guiding numerous athletes to their full potential.
Addressing the common question about whether his father coerced him into fighting, the 30-year-old light heavyweight emphasized, “People always ask me, ‘Did your father push you to fight?’ Let me tell you, my father is a wonderful person. He has coached many athletes and understands the role of a coach. Out of my siblings, only one of them dabbled in wrestling.”
Silveira clarified that his father never imposed his desires on anyone. It was Josh’s personal passion from a young age that fueled his determination. Grateful for his early realization, Silveira acknowledged, “I don’t know why, but I thank God that I found my calling because many people struggle to discover their life’s purpose. Since childhood, I’ve known that I wanted to pursue vale tudo.”
Born in Miami, Silveira initially engaged in wrestling during his school years before transitioning to amateur MMA in 2016, where he secured four consecutive victories before turning professional. Since then, he has amassed an impressive record of 10 wins and 1 loss.
Reflecting on his journey, Silveira recognized the importance of growth following his first MMA loss in 2022. He emphasized his commitment to approaching his athletic career with increased professionalism, vowing to fight even more intelligently.
“I don’t have to make significant changes to my fighting style,” Silveira stated. “I need to be mindful of the right hand, high kicks, and other fundamental aspects of the fight. However, I believe my style presents challenges for my opponents. They have to anticipate takedowns and high kicks, techniques that I favor. I will remain standing until the opportune moment arises to take them down. Once on the ground, I will put them to work. My aim is to finish the fight and secure six points.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MMA career
Q: Was Josh Silveira forced to pursue a career in MMA?
A: No, Josh Silveira was not forced to pursue a career in MMA. Although his mother discouraged him from entering the sport, it was his own passion and desire that led him to choose this path.
Q: Who is Conan Silveira?
A: Conan Silveira is the founder and head coach of American Top Team (ATT). He had a successful career as a professional fighter and later found even greater success as a coach, guiding numerous athletes to achieve their full potential.
Q: What is Vale Tudo?
A: Vale Tudo is a full-contact combat sport that originated in Brazil. It is often referred to as “anything goes” as it allows various fighting techniques, including striking, grappling, and submissions, with minimal rules.
Q: How has Josh Silveira’s career progressed so far?
A: Josh Silveira has had a successful career in MMA. He was the former LFA middleweight and light heavyweight champion before joining the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2022. While he fell short of reaching the light heavyweight playoff finals, he returned strong in the 2023 season with a first-round submission win.
Q: What is the significance of blood aversion mentioned by Silveira?
A: Silveira mentioned that he can handle blood during fights, but he has an aversion to witnessing surgeries and similar procedures. This aversion is a personal challenge for him, as he is okay with blood in the context of fighting but not in other medical settings.
More about MMA career
- American Top Team Official Website
- Professional Fighters League (PFL) Official Website
- Vale Tudo – Wikipedia
5 comments
Wow, it’s cool to hear about Josh Silveira’s journey in the MMA world. His mom didn’t want him fighting, but he followed his passion anyway. Respect!
Silveira’s story is inspiring. His father, Conan Silveira, is a legend in the sport, and it’s amazing to see Josh carve his own path. Can’t wait to see him in action!
Silveira’s dedication to his MMA career is admirable. It’s interesting how his mom was against it, but he pursued it anyway. Blood aversion? Well, that’s a unique challenge for a fighter!
Silveira is a true fighter, both in and out of the cage. His commitment to the sport, despite opposition, shows his passion. Can’t wait to see him dominate in the PFL!
Silveira’s father, Conan, must be proud of his son’s achievements. From wrestling in school to becoming a professional fighter, Josh has come a long way. Keep shining in the octagon!