American Top Team coach Marcus “Conan” Silveira has seen a lot over
the course of his MMA career as a fighter and coach, but even he
has to admit that seeing the rise of his son has a little extra
meaning.
Joshua
Silveira became a Legacy Fighting Alliance two-division
champion last week when he took a five-round decision over Jared Revel
to capture the promotion’s vacant middleweight crown. Previously,
the younger Silveira knocked out Tee Cummins
to claim the vacant 205-pound strap at LFA 115 on Sept. 24.
“I’ve had many strong emotions since the Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
times. It’s been a long journey as fighter and coach, but I have to
confess that seeing Joshua, blood of my blood, conquering two
division belts was something special,” Silveira told
Sherdog.com.
“Conan” says he only plays the role of father after the fight, but
during camp he treats his son as he would anyone else when he is in
his coaching position.
“When the fight is over and the job is done, of course the father
shows up to celebrate, but during training and the fight itself, I
behave [like he’s any one of my fighters],” he said.
Joshua’s success in LFA would seem to indicate a future in the UFC,
but “Conan” isn’t in a rush to elevate his son to the world’s
largest mixed martial arts promotion.
“Right after the fight I needed to come to Vegas. I didnt have time
to talk to [American Top Team owner] Dan Lambert yet, but of course
we will analyze the best proposal,” Silveira said. “Joshua has a
value. And I don’t say that with any arrogance or for being my son,
just recognizing what he has accomplished.
“Let’s wait for the proposals to check what is the best way to
take. We are in no hurry.”