RIO DE JANEIRO, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's UFC world middleweight champion Anderson Silva has travelled to Las Vegas with a team of 20 assistants for next Saturday's title showdown with American Chael Sonnen.
Silva departed Rio de Janeiro's Galeao international airport on Sunday in a relaxed mood, stopping to sign dozens of autographs for fans before boarding his flight.
His team includes jiu-jitsu trainer Ramon Lemos, physiotherapist Angela Cortes and fellow fighter Paulo Bananada.
The title bout comes almost two years after Silva defeated Sonnen with a fifth-round triangle armbar, having been dominated by the American in the early rounds.
Silva, 37, is the most successful fighter in UFC history and is undefeated since 2006.
Sonnen has vowed to seek revenge against his arch rival, adopting a controversial trash-talking campaign in the lead up to the duel.
UFC 148 will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The fight card includes four other Brazilians: Rafaello Oliveira, Gleison Tibau, Demian Maia and Fabricio Morango.