Jay Silva wants to defend title the right way

"I just want to go out there and showcase all of the hard work I’ve put in my last two camps," said Silva, who trains at RVCA in Orange County. "Jack May was intimidated by me, I know Mike Quintero won’t be. We’re going to bring the fight to each other and it’s going to be an explosion. It’s going to be a great fight."

Silva (12-12-1) is riding a two-fight winning streak and has been champing at the bit to test his skills and make his official in-cage LXF debut against Quintero (5-2), a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt.

The 38-year-old Silva started his MMA career in 2008 as a middleweight. He made his heavyweight debut in 2017 and has gone 2-1 since. His lone loss as a heavyweight was a disputed majority decision against Mariusz Pudzianowski, a Guinness Book of World Record holder for strongest man. Although Silva took that fight on one-day notice, he said he’s fully prepared for Quintero now that he has a full camp.

"I’m not the Jay Silva people might be used to," he said. "Everyone is going to be surprised on how well I carry my weight. I’m a completely different fighter and rejuvenated. I don’t even recognize the fighter I used to be. I’m now more knowledgeable and experienced. I’ve changed so much as a person and fighter, and I can’t wait for fans to see the new Jay on Nov. 15."