Anderson Silva tries to goad Conor McGregor into accepting fight

Anderson Silva has claimed that Conor McGregor is afraid to lose to him

Silva is clearly chasing a big pay day before he hangs up his gloves as he has recently upped his attempts to convince 'The Notorious' to agree to an unexpected super-fight. McGregor identified Silva as a potential opponent prior to his UFC 229 defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov and the Brazilian has pounced on that, well aware of the payday that comes with sharing the Octagon with the Irishman. Silva's coach has previously revealed that the bout would have to take place at a maximum catch weight of 179 lbs because the former UFC middleweight champion could not possibly get any lower, while Silva himself is hoping for the fight to be contested at 180 lbs. McGregor would be giving up plenty of size should the fight actually come to fruition as he walks around roughly 30lbs lighter than 'The Spider'. "You know what would be another great one? Anderson Silva." Conor McGregor told ESPN last month. "I would be interested in an Anderson Silva bout. I swear to God. Anderson is a legend in the game. What’s the difference between him and Georges (St-Pierre)? Same damn thing. I’m going to do fights that interest me or have meaning." It didn't take long for Silva, who hasn't fought since his victory over Derek Brunson last year, to accept McGregor's challenge and the 43-year-old is now doing his utmost to turn the bout from dream to reality. "I’m waiting for the UFC about my next fight, and I’m training hard," Silva said on Instagram, as transcribed by MMA Fighting. "I accepted the challenge (from) Conor McGregor, but never (discussed) about this fight (with the UFC). But I’m ready, guys. I’m here, I’m training every day. I never lose my focus. I’m waiting for my next challenge." Silva added that he believes McGregor "is afraid to lose, supposedly, to an old man, but I’m here." Them's fighting words!