Idol in England and one of the most talented Brazilian athletes of the lightweight category, Jean Silva announced, exclusive to TATAME’s website, that he’s close to retire from MMA rings. After 11 years dedicated to MMA e 40 fights on the career, Jean explained, in a exclusive interview, the reasons that made his mind to retirement, the best moments and the big fights that he made around the world, the training at Chute Boxe and plans to the future.

Why did you decided to retire? How did you took this decision?

Actually I was almost forced to leave the rings. There’s no way keep fighting without a good team. On the fight on Shine, I went without corner, without no one. On WFE, I’ve trained with friends, then I had a result that was obvious, the defeat. To complete, my manager left me without answers and then the need to survive came. So I opened my training center. But I can tell you that’s not easy to leave something that I love to do, specially at this moment that’s coming, including my son, soon you’ll see some videos of him on Youtube. He’s only five, but he’s a promise.

How old are you retiring and with how many fights on your card?

I’m retiring with 40 fights on career. I made 10 fights between 1999 to 2001 here in Paraíba, on time, with names from here, I including fought the IVC. And 30 are those fights on Sherdog. Now I’m 33, I started with 22.

What were the best moments of your career?

The best moments were between 2003 and 2006, on Cage Rage, where I kept the belt. I’m the only one who has the belt as a memory in home.

You’re an idol in England. Do you think about living there again?

I’m pretty popular in England, I left a lie there, I have great friends, but I don’t see myself living there.

How were the time that you trained and fought for Chute Boxe?

It was a very good time, I’ve learned almost everything there. There were great sparrings, so it wasn’t impossible not to develop. I miss that time…

Remember your best fights...

Were against Cris Braner, Milton Vieira and (Takanori) Gomi... It was a war… Besides to lost, it was a huge fight, the heaviest hand I’ve ever saw. But I think the best fight was against Flávio Álvaro… That one was huge.

Do you want to leave a message to the fans?

I’d like to say I’m sorry for leave like this, but I can’t do it alone. If it’s to disappoint you, is better to took off and keep my private life. A big hug and God bless you.