MMAJunkie.com first reported Silva’s departure, which several other MMA outlets have since confirmed. The UFC has not released an official statement regarding Silva’s impending retirement.
As an executive, it is believed Silva walked away with a nice check after the UFC’s sale to WME-IMG was finalized earlier this month. It is being reported that the lucrative payday, and not any ill-will, is the primary reason for his departure.
No word on when Silva’s last day of work will be, but it is expected to be before the end of 2016.
Silva has been with the UFC for over 20 years, first coming on board with the UFC’s original owners SEG.