Brazilian lightweight Felipe Silva had never before tasted defeat. But one mistake against Mairbek Taisumov changed all that.

“I remained undefeated for some time,” Silva told MMAjunkie in his native Portuguese. “But we know that the level is very high within the UFC. Against Taisumov, he deserves all credit for having the perfect timing to deliver that strike. He ended up knocking me out.

“I think I was pretty comfortable in that fight, walking him back. I was chasing after him, but unfortunately, he caught me with a counter.”

The first-round defeat at September’s UFC Fight Night 115 event was a new feeling for Silva, and one he admits he didn’t particularly enjoy. Silva said he also knows that chasing his own knockouts can occasionally open him up to defeat – but don’t expect him to get more conservative in his approach.

“If I have to lose, I’d rather lose that way,” Silva said. “I think fighters who give everything are more valued. It’s what’s asked of us after the weigh-ins.”

If you need proof that the UFC values fighters who push forward at all costs, consider that despite his loss, Silva says he was given a brand new three-fight deal with the organization.

Now Silva (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) returns to action at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 129 event, where he takes on Peruvian opponent Claudio Puelles (7-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in a UFC Fight Pass-streamed preliminary bout the precedes the evening’s FS2 prelims and main card on FS1.

“Expect a very active fight,” Silva said. “It’s going to be my experience vs. his youth. I think he’ll come with everything after me. My intent is not to take a single step back. We’ll collide, and I’ll keep up the intensity to the very end.”

Silva’s promise of aggression seems to be more than just pre-fight hype. After all, seven of his eight career victories have come by way of first-round finish, including six by knockout. It seems as bitter as the taste of defeat might be, it’s not enough to change the way Silva approaches a fight.

“I haven’t fought in several months, but I never stopped training,” Silva said. “I train every day. I think both of us will be hungry for a victory, since we’re coming off losses. I don’t think that Puelles will be able to handle my fight rhythm. I’ll be looking to knock him out the entire time. Be sure of that.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 129, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.