Silva On Bonnar: "I Will Have More Speed, More Agility Than Him, But I Don't Know About The Power"

When Anderson Silva (32-4) returns to the light heavyweight division on Saturday for the first time in three years, he'll do so as a 13-1 favorite over Stephan Bonnar (14-7). 

While it seems few are giving journeyman Bonnar much of a chance against the seemingly unstoppable Silva, "The Spider" holds his opponent in high regard. 

“Stephan Bonnar is a great fighter; his story is a big part of the UFC," Silva said during Wednesday's UFC 153 open workouts. "He’s big, big guy but I feel good not to have to cut weight to middleweight. For me, it is very important to retire undefeated, and I want to retire undefeated in the UFC. This is a tricky night for me Saturday. He has good BJJ and brings the fight. If I have the chance, I will finish this fight in one round. Stephan Bonnar always fights so hard. I will have more speed, more agility than him, but I don’t know about the power. So if I see the chance, I will finish this quickly.”

Silva will meet Bonnar in the main event of Saturday's UFC 153 from the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — a late replacement bout after original headliner Jose Aldo injured himself in a motorcycle accident. Silva enters the Octagon on a record-setting 16-fight win streak, including 10 successful title defenses of his middleweight crown, having not tasted defeat since 2006. Bonnar, meanwhile, is riding a streak of his own, having come out victorious in three consecutive bouts. 

Despite the underdog status, however, Bonnar seems to approach the bout as a man with little to lose. 

“Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it. I asked for a big name, and I got the biggest name in the sport, "said Bonnar. "But he’s fighting me at my weight, 205 pounds, and that gives me an advantage. He’s not fought anyone who will come at him like I have. He’s the most accurate striker in the sport, so I know I am going to get punched and kicked and I’m cool with that. But he’s going to get roughed up too. He’s getting punched and kicked – by a much bigger man. If I win this fight, I shock the world. I rule the world. Life is going to be good Saturday night.”

UFC 153 takes place on October 13 at Rio de Janeiro's HSBC Arena and is headlined by a light heavyweight clash between Silva and Bonnar. In the co-main event, dangerous Brazilian strikers go to battle as Glover Teixeira takes on Fabio Maldonado.