Anderson da Silva[1] (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈɐ̃deʁsõ ˈsiwvɐ]; born 14 April 1975) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and professional boxer.[16] He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history at 2,457 days. This started in 2006 and ended in 2013 and included a UFC record 16 consecutive victories in that span.[17][18] Silva left the UFC in November 2020 and returned to boxing.[19]

Anderson Silva
Silva in 2012
BornAnderson da Silva[1]
(1975-04-14) 14 April 1975 (age 49)
São Paulo, Brazil[2]
Other namesThe Spider
ResidenceLos Angeles, California, U.S.[3]
NationalityBrazilian
American[4]
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight185 lb (84 kg; 13.2 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Middleweight
Light Heavyweight
Reach77+12[5] in (197 cm)
Fighting out ofCuritiba, Brazil
TeamChute Boxe Academy (1997–2003)
Muay Thai Dream Team (2003–2006)[6]
Brazilian Top Team (2003–2006)
Black House (2007–2013)
Team Nogueira[7]
Killer Bees Muay Thai College (Founded/Current Team)[8]
TrainerBoxing: Josuel Distak and Luiz Dorea
Jiu-Jitsu: Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Sylvio Behring and Ramon Lemos
Wrestling: Mark Muñoz
Muay Thai: Rafael Cordeiro,[9] Pedro Rizzo, Israel Gomes[10]
Panantukan: Dan Inosanto[11]
RankBlack prajied in Muay Thai[12]
3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Antônio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira[13]
5th dan black belt in Taekwondo[14]
Yellow rope in Capoeira[15]
Years active1997–2020 (MMA)
1998, 2005, 2021–present (Boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total5
Wins3
By knockout2
Losses2
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total46
Wins34
By knockout23
By submission3
By decision8
Losses11
By knockout4
By submission2
By decision4
By disqualification1
No contests1
Other information
SpouseDayane
Children5
Websitewww.spideranderson.com
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

UFC president Dana White, UFC commentator Joe Rogan and numerous mixed martial arts (MMA) pundits have named Silva as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.[20][21][22][23][24][25] Silva was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2023.

Background

Silva was born on 14 April 1975, in São Paulo, Brazil.[26] The son of a poverty-stricken family, he spent the majority of his childhood in Curitiba with his aunt and uncle, who was an officer with the Curitiba police force.[27] Silva's first foray in martial arts began as a child training jiu-jitsu with neighborhood kids. As a teen, Silva began training in taekwondo, capoeira and muay thai.[27]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career (1997–2002)

Silva initially fought in Brazil in the welterweight category. Silva made his professional debut in 1997 with a pair of wins.[28][non-tertiary source needed] Silva recorded his first loss in 2000 to Luiz Azeredo by decision. After that fight, he went on a nine-fight winning streak, winning six of those fights by either submission or TKO.[28][non-tertiary source needed] After winning his first match in Japan, he was put up against Shooto champion Hayato Sakurai on 26 August 2001. Silva beat Sakurai by unanimous decision after three rounds and became the new Shooto Middleweight Champion (at 168 lb, equivalent to welterweight in most other organizations including the UFC) and the first man to defeat Sakurai, who was undefeated in his first 20 fights.[28][non-tertiary source needed]

Pride Fighting Championships and Cage Rage (2002–2006)

In 2002, Silva was scheduled to fight then-current UFC Welterweight Champion, and future UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes at UFC 36. However, Silva instead signed a contract and began fighting for PRIDE Fighting Championships.[29] In his first fight with the promotion, he stopped Alex Stiebling with a cut resulting from a high kick. In his next match, he won via decision against the "Diet Butcher" Alexander Otsuka. At Pride 25, Silva faced former UFC welterweight champion Carlos Newton. Newton tried to shoot in on Silva, but was hit with a flying knee. Newton collapsed and Silva finished the fight with strikes, winning by technical knockout.[28][non-tertiary source needed]

At Pride 26, Silva faced Daiju Takase. Takase, with a record of four wins and seven losses, was the underdog. However Silva was dominated on the ground for almost the entire fight before being submitted by Takase when caught in a triangle choke late in the first round.[30] After his loss to Takase, Silva became demotivated and thought about quitting MMA, but was convinced to keep on fighting by Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira. Silva then left Chute Boxe, joined Nogueira in Brazilian Top Team and started to fight in other promotions around the world.[31] On 27 June 2004, Silva fought Jeremy Horn and earned a decision victory.[citation needed]

Three months later, Silva made his debut in the Cage Rage promotion in England. At Cage Rage 8 Silva fought and defeated noted striker Lee Murray by decision.[28][non-tertiary source needed] That year, Silva returned to Pride FC on 31 December to face Ryo Chonan. Silva was in control with a take down and body triangle in the first round. Chonan was able to counter Silva's knees from the clinch, with knees, and takedowns. Chonan was perceived by some to be winning up until the finish. During the third round, Bas Rutten, commentating alongside Mauro Ranallo, stated that he believed Anderson must obtain a knockout or strong finish or he would lose the fight. Despite being the underdog, Chonan ended the fight in the third round with a rare flying scissor heel hook, forcing Silva to submit.[28][non-tertiary source needed] After the loss to Chonan he was cut by Pride, Silva continued fighting in the Cage Rage promotion, as well as other promotions around the world. Silva defended his Cage Rage title against Curtis Stout.[citation needed]

Although he was slated to fight Matt Lindland at Cage Rage 16, Lindland's decision to fight Mike Van Arsdale at Raze Fight Night put an end to the highly anticipated match up. Instead, Silva defended his championship against Tony Fryklund, winning the fight with a reverse elbow, knocking out Fryklund early in the first round.[32]

Silva competed in Hawaii's Rumble on the Rock promotion, where he fought Yushin Okami in the first round of the 175 lb tournament. Though labeled as a favorite to win the tournament,[33] Silva was eliminated from the tournament when he kicked Okami in the face from the guard position. Okami's knees were on the ground at the time, making the attack an illegal strike to the head of a downed opponent. Silva later said that the rule had not been properly explained to him before the bout. "When I fought Okami the rules really weren't explained to me properly in the event I was fighting in," said Silva. "You could kick a downed opponent to the groin or to the head when your back's on the ground. So the rules weren't explained to me properly."[34] While Okami was given the opportunity to recover and continue fighting, Okami opted for the disqualification win. Silva responded by saying he "felt it was a cheap, cowardly way of winning," and that "people that were there saw that he was in the condition to come back and keep fighting, and he didn't."[35]

Ultimate Fighting Championship (2006–2020)

Debut and middleweight championship

Although speculation ran rampant about where Silva would sign next, the UFC announced in late April 2006 that they had signed him to a multi-fight contract. It was not long before the UFC started promoting Silva, releasing an interview segment almost immediately after announcing his arrival.[36]

Silva made his debut at Ultimate Fight Night 5 on 28 June 2006. His opponent was The Ultimate Fighter 1 contestant Chris Leben who had gone undefeated in the UFC with five consecutive victories. Leben, confident of victory, had predicted he would KO Silva in a pre-fight interview. A relatively unknown fighter in the United States, Silva made an emphatic debut when he knocked out Leben with a flurry of pinpoint strikes, followed by a final knee strike at 49 seconds into the first round. Silva's striking accuracy was 85%. This fight earned him his first Knockout of the Night award.[37]

In response to the victory, the UFC tallied a poll on their main page, asking viewers to select Silva's next opponent. The majority of voters selected the UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin. Silva fought Franklin at UFC 64 on 14 October 2006, and defeated him by TKO (strikes) at 2:59 in the first round. Silva hit Franklin with knees to the body from the Muay Thai-clinch, then badly broke Franklin's nose with a knee to the face.[38] Unable to strike back, Franklin dodged the last of Silva's strikes before falling to the ground, where referee "Big" John McCarthy ended the fight. Silva was crowned the new UFC Middleweight Champion, becoming the second man to defeat Franklin, after Black House-teammate Lyoto Machida. This fight earned him a Knockout of the Night award.[39] This was also awarded the 2006 Knockout of the Year.[40]

Record-setting championship reign

 
Silva in 2007

On 3 February 2007, at UFC 67, Silva was scheduled to fight The Ultimate Fighter 4 winner Travis Lutter in what would be his first title defense since defeating Rich Franklin in October 2006. However, Lutter failed to make the 185 pounds (84 kg) weight limit and the match was changed to a non-title bout.[41] Many felt that Lutter's best chance to win was to take the fight to the ground, with Lutter being an accomplished jiu-jitsu blackbelt. Silva won via submission with a combination of a triangle choke and elbow strikes in the second round.

In his next fight at UFC 73 on 7 July 2007, Silva successfully defended his title against Nate Marquardt, winning by TKO at 4:50 in the first round. This fight earned him another Knockout of the Night award.[42]

Three months later, on 20 October 2007, at UFC 77, Silva fought a title defense rematch against Rich Franklin, in Franklin's hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, at the U.S. Bank Arena.[43] Silva defended his belt by defeating Franklin via TKO in the 2nd round. This fight earned him a $40,000 Knockout of the Night award.[44]

On 1 March 2008, at UFC 82 Silva fought Pride Middleweight champion Dan Henderson, in a title unification bout (UFC and Pride titles on the line). Henderson was believed to have the edge on the ground, having competed in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics in Greco-Roman wrestling. Silva defended his title by defeating Henderson via rear naked choke in the 2nd round. This fight earned Silva a $60,000 Fight of the Night award and a separate $60,000 Submission of the Night award.[45]

At UFC Fight Night 14 on 19 July 2008, Silva made his debut at Light Heavyweight (205 lb (93 kg)) in a bout against James Irvin. Silva won via KO due to strikes in 1:01 of the first round after catching Irvin's attempted leg kick with his left arm and delivering a straight right that dropped Irvin to the mat, Silva then finished a prone Irvin with a blitz of punches to the head.[46][47][48][49] Irvin later tested positive for methadone and oxymorphone.[50]

Silva's next fight was on 25 October 2008, at UFC 90 in Rosemont, Illinois, Silva defended his Middleweight title against Patrick Côté. In the third round, Côté landed awkwardly on his right leg while throwing a kick and fell to the mat grasping his right knee in pain. Referee Herb Dean declared the fight over when Côté could not continue, ruling the bout a TKO victory for Silva. Côté, however, became the first of Silva's UFC opponents to make it past the 2nd round. After his fight with Côté, Silva was criticized for seemingly avoiding contact during the bout.[51][52] Dana White criticized Silva, saying: "I didn't understand Silva's tactics... It wasn't the Anderson Silva I've been watching the last two years."[53] Silva said in the post-fight news conference:[54]

"There are many people saying I was disrespecting Côté, but this is absolutely not true. My game plan since the beginning was fight five rounds, inducing him to commit mistakes and capitalize on that during the first three rounds and look for the knockout during the fourth and fifth rounds. It was working, and the biggest proof of that is that I almost didn't waste any blows. I connected with a couple of good punches and knees, but unfortunately he got hurt and the fight was over. This is not my fault."

On 18 April 2009, at UFC 97 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Silva defeated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt Thales Leites by unanimous decision, and recorded his UFC record 9th consecutive win in the octagon. Leites is credited with being the first man in UFC history to take Silva through 5 rounds to a judges' decision. The crowd repeatedly booed his lackluster performance, bored expression, and frustrated attempts to goad his opponent into fighting, and in the 4th and 5th rounds took to dancing, lowering his guard and slapping his opponent without retaliation. Following the fight, Dana White has stated that he was "embarrassed" by Silva's performance, but still said that he believes him to be "the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world".[55]

At UFC 101 which took place on 8 August 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Silva again fought at 205 pounds against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin. Griffin was knocked down three times in the first round. The bout earned Silva Beatdown of the Year honors from Sherdog. The bout shared those honors with the second bout between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir.[56] Both fighters were awarded $60,000 as Fight of the Night bonuses and Silva received an extra $60,000 in bonus money for Knockout of the Night.[57] This was also awarded the 2009 Knockout of the Year.[40]

After defeating Griffin, a Yahoo! Sports reporter allegedly claimed that Silva's manager, Ed Soares, had confirmed that Silva would abandon his Middleweight belt to fight at Light Heavyweight.[58] However, Soares and a UFC spokesperson confirmed that a conversation agreeing Silva would permanently move up to Light Heavyweight never took place. Silva did not relinquish his title to fight exclusively at Light Heavyweight. Soares stated his attorney plans to speak to Yahoo! Sports about the matter.[59]

Silva was expected to defend the UFC Middleweight Championship against Vitor Belfort on 2 January 2010, at UFC 108. However, Ed Soares announced that the bout would not take place as Silva would not be fully recovered from surgery.[60] Silva was then set to face Belfort on 6 February 2010, at UFC 109.[61] The fight, however, was dependent on Silva's healing, which he described as "not going as planned."[62] The fight was canceled because of Silva's slow recovery.[63] Silva was once again scheduled to face Belfort on 10 April 2010, at UFC 112.[64] The fight was later canceled again due to an injury to Belfort.[65] Demian Maia was selected to fill the spot and take on Silva for the belt.

In the first two rounds fighting Maia, Silva appeared to mock his opponent while employing quick, precise striking. In the third round, however, Silva's tempo seemed to change. He looked to Maia to be the aggressor while he largely circled and taunted his opponent. In the fifth round, Silva's lack of action prompted referee Dan Miragliotta to warn Silva for his conduct. The crowd began to side with Maia, who was the only fighter attempting to engage.[66] After 5 rounds, Silva was declared the winner via unanimous decision.

Silva was widely criticized for his performance. Dana White said it was the most embarrassed he had ever been since becoming UFC president.[67] Midway through the fourth round, White walked away from the fight and gave the championship belt to Silva's manager, Ed Soares. White was so annoyed that he declined to personally place the belt around Silva's waist, claiming it was the first time he had done so after a title match.[68] It was also claimed that Silva verbally taunted Maia, saying, "Come on, hit me in the face, playboy."[69] In the immediate post-fight interview, Silva apologized and said that he wasn't himself and that he would need to go back and reevaluate the humility that got him to where he is. In the post-fight interview, Silva made multiple references about how Demian insulted him before the bout. However, the pre-fight banter was seen by many as not out of the ordinary.

On 7 August 2010, Silva faced Chael Sonnen for the UFC Middleweight title at UFC 117. In the first round, Sonnen stunned Silva with a punch before taking him down and dominating from the top position, landing multiple blows. The following three rounds played out in a similar fashion, going to the ground early with Sonnen dominating from inside Silva's guard. In the fifth round, Silva slipped after being tagged by Sonnen's left hook and the challenger took advantage by once again establishing a top position and delivering strikes to Silva. With about two minutes left in the round, Silva was able to lock up a triangle armbar on Sonnen, forcing Sonnen to submit at 3:10 of Round 5. This fight earned him another $60,000 Fight of the Night award and an additional $60,000 Submission of the Night award.[70] This was also awarded the 2010 Submission of the Year.[71]

In the fight, Sonnen had struck Silva more times than Silva had been hit thus far in his entire UFC career. According to CompuStrike, in his first 11 UFC fights, Silva had been hit 208 times. On 7 August Sonnen had landed a total of 289 strikes.[72] After the bout it was revealed that Sonnen would have won a judges' decision. All three judges had Sonnen marked as the winner of all four rounds, judges Nelson Hamilton and Dan Stell had Sonnen taking Round 1 10–8, as well as Hamilton awarding the challenger another 10–8 total in Round 3.[73] Silva later claimed to have gone into the fight with a cracked rib and that a doctor advised him not to fight. Dana White announced that Sonnen would get a rematch upon Silva's return.

Following the fight the California State Athletic Commission confirmed that Chael Sonnen tested positive for synthetic testosterone, with his test having revealed a high testosterone to epitestosterone ratio, indicative of testosterone replacement therapy.[74][75][76][77] The promised rematch was revoked after the issue with his testosterone ratio came to light, however, after Sonnen came back and won two straight fights, Dana White scheduled the rematch.

Silva faced Vitor Belfort on 5 February 2011, at UFC 126.[78] Belfort was expected to face Yushin Okami on 13 November 2010, at UFC 122, but was replaced by Nate Marquardt.[79] After a "feeling out" period of about two and a half minutes in the first round, Silva and Belfort started to trade strikes. Silva landed a front kick to Belfort's jaw and followed up with punches to the grounded challenger. Referee Mario Yamasaki stopped the fight at 3:25 into the first round.[80] With the win Silva handed Belfort his first KO loss in 28 career fights and extended his record streak of title defenses to eight. This fight earned him another Knockout of the Night award.[81]

Silva then faced Yushin Okami on 27 August 2011, at UFC 134. He defeated the Japanese middleweight by TKO at 2:04 of round 2, displaying skilled head movement and accurate striking.[82] His record then went to 31–4, avenging his DQ loss to Okami back in 2006.

A rematch with Chael Sonnen was to take place on 23 June 2012, at UFC 147,[83] but the bout was moved back to 7 July 2012, at UFC 148, while the expected co-feature of the Brazilian event, a rematch between Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva would headline the event. The change was due to a scheduling conflict with the UN Conference Rio+20, which occurred during the same time frame as UFC 147.[84] At UFC 148, after again being dominated throughout the first round, Silva stopped Sonnen in the second with a TKO.[85] This fight earned him another Knockout of the Night award.[86]

He became the first to stop Stephan Bonnar via strikes in the 1st round of a light heavyweight bout on 13 October 2012, at UFC 153.[87]

Title loss and injury

Despite having decided to retire after the Bonnar fight, Silva faced Chris Weidman on 6 July 2013, at UFC 162.[88] Although he was the heavy favorite,[89] he lost by KO in the second round after show boating,[90] ending his streak of the longest title reign in UFC history.[91][92]

A rematch was held at UFC 168 on 28 December. Weidman dominated the first round;[93] it was reported that Silva may have also cracked his shin bone against Weidman during the first leg check.[94][95] In the second round Weidman checked one of Silva's leg kicks again, breaking Silva's left fibula and tibia and ending the fight via TKO.[96][97] Immediately after the fight, Silva had orthopedic surgery to stabilize his tibia with an intramedullary rod; his fibula was reset and was not expected to require further surgery. A UFC statement called the surgery "successful" and said those with similar injuries generally take three to six months to recover.

Post-championship reign

Despite calls for Silva to retire from MMA,[98] it was confirmed on 29 July 2014, that Silva would return to the organization. Before UFC 179, Silva and the UFC agreed on a new, 15-fight contract that replaced their previous deal which had eight fights remaining.[99]

On 29 October 2014, it was announced that Silva would coach opposite Maurício Rua for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4, which began filming in early 2015. Despite being coaches on the show, the two fighters will not face each other at the end of the season.[100] Silva's continued participation was briefly in doubt during the filming after the announcement of his failed drug test. Initially, Dana White announced that Silva would remain on the show as a coach.[101] Subsequently, Silva was pulled as one of the coaches and was replaced by Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira.[102]

In his first fight post-injury, Silva faced Nick Diaz in the main event of UFC 183 on 31 January 2015.[103] He won the fight via unanimous decision. In the days after the fight, it was revealed that Silva tested positive for Drostanolone and Androstane, two anabolic steroids, in pre-fight drug screening on 9 January 2015.[104][105] Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar confirmed that the fight has not yet been overturned and can't be until a motion is passed by a majority of the commission. Any penalties, suspensions or changes to the outcome of the fight have to be presented as a motion and then voted on by the commission to enact the order.[106] On 11 February 2015, it was reported that Silva tested positive for an additional unknown illegal substance in a separate test that was related to UFC 183.[107] On 17 February 2015, NSAC executive director Bob Bennett confirmed to ESPN.com that Silva failed his postfight urine test and that Silva had tested positive for the steroid Drostanolone—the same banned substance he tested positive for during an out-of-competition test taken on 9 January 2015. Silva also tested positive for the anti-anxiety medication Oxazepam and Temazepam, which is used to treat sleep deprivation.[108]

On 13 August, after several reschedules, the disciplinary hearing was held to decide on the subject. Silva's defense argued that a tainted sexual enhancement drug that a friend had given to Silva after a trip to Thailand was the root of the two failed tests for drostanolone and also appealed to mistakes in the NSAC testing procedures, pointing to a pair of drug tests, one on 19 January and one after the fight, which Silva passed. He admitted to using both benzodiazepines the night prior to the fight as therapy to control stress and help him sleep. Silva's team was unable to explain the presence of androsterone in 9 January test. The commission rejected the defense and suspended him for one year retroactive to the date of the fight, as the current guidelines were not in effect at the time of the failed tests. He was also fined his full win bonus, as well as 30% of his show money, totaling $380,000. His victory was overturned to a no contest.[109][110][111]

In his first fight after his PED suspension was lifted, Silva faced Michael Bisping on 27 February 2016, at UFC Fight Night 84.[112] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. However, the fight was not without controversy as at the end of round three Silva dropped Bisping with a flying knee while Bisping was signaling to referee Herb Dean that he lost his mouthpiece. Silva believed he had won the bout and continued to celebrate as referee Herb Dean said the fight was not over, and it continued for another two rounds to the decision.[113] Both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors.[114]

Silva was expected to face Uriah Hall on 14 May 2016, at UFC 198.[115] However, Silva pulled out of the bout on 10 May after requiring a surgery to remove his gallbladder. As a result, Hall did not compete at the event.[116]

Silva was a short notice replacement to face current UFC Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier in a non-title bout on 9 July 2016, at UFC 200.[117] Silva lost the fight via unanimous decision.[118]

Silva faced Derek Brunson on 11 February 2017, at UFC 208.[119] He was awarded a unanimous decision victory.[120] 19 of 23 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Brunson.[121][122]

Silva was expected to face Kelvin Gastelum on 3 June 2017, at UFC 212. However, Gastelum was pulled from the match-up after testing positive for marijuana.[123] In turn, despite having two months to secure an opponent, Silva and promotion officials confirmed on 11 May that he would not compete at that event.[124][125]

The bout with Gastelum was rescheduled and was expected to take place on 25 November 2017, at UFC Fight Night 122.[126] However it was announced on 10 November 2017 that Silva would be pulled from the bout due to failing USADA drug test on 26 October.[127][128] In July 2018, USADA announced that Silva had been exonerated from the failed test after finding contaminated supplements and received a one-year suspension from USADA dating back to November 2017 and would be free to resume fighting in November 2018.[129][130]

Silva returned and faced Israel Adesanya on 10 February 2019, at UFC 234.[131][132] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[133] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[134]

Silva faced Jared Cannonier on 11 May 2019 at UFC 237.[135] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round after a kick from Cannonier to Silva's right leg injured him and rendered him unable to continue.[136]

Silva faced Uriah Hall on 31 October 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva.[137][138] He lost the fight via technical knockout in round four.[139] In an Instagram post made after the fight, Silva hinted that his career in MMA was finished, though he did not officially announce retirement from the sport.[140]

On 19 November 2020, the UFC announced that they had released Silva from his UFC contract, which would allow him to negotiate with other promotions.[141]

At UFC 300 on 13 April 2024, it was announced that the first bout with Silva and Chael Sonnen that took place at UFC 117 on 8 August 2010 would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing during International Fight Week on 27 June 2024.[142] Sonnen was present to accept the award.[143]

Boxing career

Professional career

Silva vs. Chávez Jr.

In March 2021, it was announced that Anderson Silva would fight Julio César Chávez Jr. in a boxing match on 19 June 2021.[144][145] Silva won the fight by split decision. Silva threw more punches throughout the fight throwing a total of 392 punches while Chávez Jr only threw 153.[146]

Silva vs. Ortiz

Silva faced former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz in a pro boxing bout[147][148] on 11 September 2021.[149] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[150]

Silva vs. Paul

On 22 September 2022, it was announced that Silva would be facing YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul on 29 October in Phoenix, Arizona.[151]

On the night of the fight, Silva lost to Paul by unanimous decision with the scores of 78–73 (twice) and 77–74, all in Paul's favor.[152]

Exhibition bouts

Silva vs. Machado

On 21 May 2022, Silva fought an eight round exhibition bout with fellow Brazilian MMA veteran Bruno Machado at a boxing event in Abu Dhabi. Despite a knockdown for Silva in the fifth, the fight would go the full distance, and no winner was declared.[153]

Silva vs. Sonnen

Silva faced Chael Sonnen on 15 June 2024 in a five-round, two minute exhibition boxing bout at 216 pounds in São Paulo, Brazil.[154] Silva and Sonnen faced each other twice in mixed martial arts in the UFC.[154] The bout went the full five rounds and was declared a draw.[155]

Fighting style

An expert in Muay Thai, boxing and taekwondo, Silva is primarily a stand-up fighter. Owner of numerous UFC offensive striking records, Silva is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the history of MMA and many consider him the best of all time. During his time in the UFC, he had a striking accuracy of 60%, attempting 1300 strikes and landing 779.[156][157][158]

Silva's striking accuracy, knockout power, technically vicious Muay Thai and ability to counterstrike makes him a danger to his opponents.[159][160][161] Silva's striking uses three major strengths: technical precision, the jab, and transitions and movement.[162] Silva switches from southpaw to orthodox with little drop-off in effectiveness.[163] Although it has been claimed that his ground game is not as good as his stand-up,[164] Silva has submitted notable grapplers, including Olympic wrestler Dan Henderson, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt Travis Lutter and Olympic alternate Chael Sonnen.

Sponsors

A friend of Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo, in 2011 Silva became the first client to be marketed by 9INE, a sports marketing company co-owned by Ronaldo.[165][166] Since August 2011, Anderson has been sponsored by Corinthians, his favorite football club.[167] He is also sponsored by fast food chain Burger King.[168] Previously he had also sponsorship deal with sportswear and equipment supplier Nike, which ended in late 2014 due to Nike's self removal from the UFC.[99]

Personal life

Silva has three sons and two daughters with his wife, Dayane.[169][170][171][172]

Before he began his career as a professional fighter, Silva worked at McDonald's, and also as a file clerk. He considers Spider-Man, Bruce Lee, Muhammad Ali and his mother as biggest of his personal heroes, and has a stated love of comic books and comic book heroes.[173]

Silva has said on numerous occasions that he believes long-time friend and former UFC Lightweight Champion and UFC Welterweight Champion B.J. Penn to be the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the history of the sport.[174][175][176][177]

Silva expressed interest in competing in the sport of taekwondo and boxing.[178] He floated around the idea of competing at the Olympics in taekwondo and fighting Roy Jones Jr. in a boxing match.[179][180]

Silva became a naturalized U.S. citizen in July 2019.[4]

Silva has also starred in the 2014 action drama film Tapped Out[181] and the 2019 crime action film The Invincible Dragon.[182] In November 2023, Paramount+ released a drama 5-episode mini-series entitled Anderson "The Spider" Silva in the Brazilian and Canadian markets which documented Silva's life including his UFC career with Bruno Vinicius playing the role of Silva.[183]

Filmography

Television and film

Year Title Role
2009 Never Surrender Spider
2009 Hell's Chain King Anaconda
2011 Like Water Himself
2013 Til Death Do Us Part 2 Andrew Silver
2013 Worms Hairy (voice)
2014 Tapped Out Anderson[181]
2014 Monday Nights at Seven Mateus
2017 Ultimate Beastmaster Himself/host
2019 The Invincible Dragon Alexander Sinclair[182]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
46 matches 34 wins 11 losses
By knockout 23 4
By submission 3 2
By decision 8 4
By disqualification 0 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 34–11 (1) Uriah Hall TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva 31 October 2020 4 1:24 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 34–10 (1) Jared Cannonier TKO (leg kick) UFC 237 11 May 2019 1 4:47 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 34–9 (1) Israel Adesanya Decision (unanimous) UFC 234 10 February 2019 3 5:00 Melbourne, Australia Fight of the Night.
Win 34–8 (1) Derek Brunson Decision (unanimous) UFC 208 11 February 2017 3 5:00 Brooklyn, New York, United States
Loss 33–8 (1) Daniel Cormier Decision (unanimous) UFC 200 9 July 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Light Heavyweight bout.
Loss 33–7 (1) Michael Bisping Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Bisping 27 February 2016 5 5:00 London, England Fight of the Night.
NC 33–6 (1) Nick Diaz NC (overturned by NSAC) UFC 183 31 January 2015 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Originally a unanimous decision win for Silva; overturned after he tested positive for drostanolone and androsterone. Diaz also tested positive for marijuana.[104][105]
Loss 33–6 Chris Weidman TKO (leg injury) UFC 168 28 December 2013 2 1:16 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Loss 33–5 Chris Weidman KO (punches) UFC 162 6 July 2013 2 1:18 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lost the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 33–4 Stephan Bonnar TKO (knee to the body and punches) UFC 153 13 October 2012 1 4:40 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Light Heavyweight bout. Bonnar tested positive for a boldenone metabolite.[203]
Win 32–4 Chael Sonnen TKO (knee to the body and punches) UFC 148 7 July 2012 2 1:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship. Knockout of the Night.
Win 31–4 Yushin Okami TKO (punches) UFC 134 27 August 2011 2 2:04 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 30–4 Vitor Belfort KO (front kick and punches) UFC 126 5 February 2011 1 3:25 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship. Knockout of the Night.
Win 29–4 Chael Sonnen Submission (triangle choke) UFC 117 7 August 2010 5 3:10 Oakland, California, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship. Submission of the Night. Fight of the Night. Fight of the Year. Submission of the Year. Sonnen tested positive for elevated testosterone levels.[76]
Win 28–4 Demian Maia Decision (unanimous) UFC 112 10 April 2010 5 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 27–4 Forrest Griffin KO (punch) UFC 101 8 August 2009 1 3:23 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Light Heavyweight bout. Knockout of the Night. Fight of the Night. Knockout of the Year. Griffin tested positive for illegal substances.
Win 26–4 Thales Leites Decision (unanimous) UFC 97 18 April 2009 5 5:00 Montreal, Quebec, Canada Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 25–4 Patrick Côté TKO (knee injury) UFC 90 25 October 2008 3 0:39 Rosemont, Illinois, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 24–4 James Irvin KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Irvin 19 July 2008 1 1:01 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Light Heavyweight bout. Irvin tested positive for methadone and oxymorphone.[50]
Win 23–4 Dan Henderson Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 82 1 March 2008 2 4:52 Columbus, Ohio, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship. Submission of the Night. Fight of the Night.
Win 22–4 Rich Franklin TKO (knees) UFC 77 20 October 2007 2 1:07 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship. Knockout of the Night.
Win 21–4 Nate Marquardt TKO (punches) UFC 73 7 July 2007 1 4:50 Sacramento, California, United States Defended the UFC Middleweight Championship. Knockout of the Night.
Win 20–4 Travis Lutter TKO (submission to elbows) UFC 67 3 February 2007 2 2:11 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Non-title bout; Lutter missed weight (187 lb).
Win 19–4 Rich Franklin KO (knee) UFC 64 14 October 2006 1 2:59 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won the UFC Middleweight Championship. Knockout of the Night. Knockout of the Year.
Win 18–4 Chris Leben KO (knee) UFC Fight Night 5 28 June 2006 1 0:49 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States UFC Middleweight title eliminator. Knockout of the Night.
Win 17–4 Tony Fryklund KO (elbow) Cage Rage 16 22 April 2006 1 2:02 London, England Defended the Cage Rage Middleweight Championship.
Loss 16–4 Yushin Okami DQ (illegal kick) Rumble on the Rock 8 20 January 2006 1 2:33 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Welterweight tournament opening round. Silva was disqualified for delivering an up-kick to an opponent who had his knees on the ground.
Win 16–3 Curtis Stout KO (punches) Cage Rage 14 3 December 2005 1 4:59 London, England Defended the Cage Rage Middleweight Championship.
Win 15–3 Jorge Rivera TKO (knees and punches) Cage Rage 11 30 April 2005 2 3:53 London, England Defended the Cage Rage Middleweight Championship.
Loss 14–3 Ryo Chonan Submission (flying scissor heel hook) Pride Shockwave 2004 31 December 2004 3 3:08 Saitama, Japan
Win 14–2 Lee Murray Decision (unanimous) Cage Rage 8 11 September 2004 3 5:00 London, England Won the Cage Rage Middleweight Championship.
Win 13–2 Jeremy Horn Decision (unanimous) Gladiator 2 27 June 2004 3 5:00 Seoul, South Korea
Win 12–2 Waldir dos Anjos TKO (corner stoppage) Conquista Fight 1 20 December 2003 1 5:00 Vitória da Conquista, Brazil
Loss 11–2 Daiju Takase Submission (triangle choke) Pride 26 8 June 2003 1 8:33 Yokohama, Japan
Win 11–1 Carlos Newton KO (flying knee and punches) Pride 25 16 March 2003 1 6:27 Yokohama, Japan
Win 10–1 Alexander Otsuka Decision (unanimous) Pride 22 29 September 2002 3 5:00 Nagoya, Japan
Win 9–1 Alex Stiebling TKO (doctor stoppage) Pride 21 23 June 2002 1 1:23 Saitama, Japan
Win 8–1 Roan Carneiro TKO (submission to punches) Mecca 6 31 January 2002 1 5:32 Curitiba, Brazil
Win 7–1 Hayato Sakurai Decision (unanimous) Shooto 7 26 August 2001 3 5:00 Osaka, Japan Won the Shooto Middleweight (168 lb) Championship.
Win 6–1 Israel Albuquerque TKO (submission to punches) Mecca 5 9 June 2001 1 6:17 Curitiba, Brazil
Win 5–1 Tetsuji Kato Decision (unanimous) Shooto 2 2 March 2001 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 4–1 Claudionor Fontinelle TKO (punches and knees) Mecca 4 16 December 2000 1 4:35 Curitiba, Brazil
Win 3–1 Jose Barreto TKO (head kick and punches) Mecca 2 12 August 2000 1 1:06 Curitiba, Brazil
Loss 2–1 Luiz Azeredo Decision (unanimous) Mecca 1 27 May 2000 2 10:00 Curitiba, Brazil
Win 2–0 Fabrício Camões TKO (retirement) BFC 1 25 June 1997 1 25:14 Campo Grande, Brazil
Win 1–0 Raimundo Pinheiro Submission (rear-naked choke) 1 1:53

[204]

Boxing record

Professional

5 fights 3 wins 2 losses
By knockout 2 1
By decision 1 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
5 Loss 3–2 Jake Paul UD 8 29 Oct 2022 Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona, U.S.
4 Win 3–1 Tito Ortiz KO 1 (8), 1:22 11 Sep 2021 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
3 Win 2–1 Julio César Chávez Jr. SD 8 19 Jun 2021 Estadio Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
2 Win 1–1 Julio Cesar De Jesus KO 2 (6), 0:19 5 May 2005 Ginásio de Esportes Antônio Balbino, Salvador, Brazil
1 Loss 0–1 Osmar Luiz Teixeira RTD 1 (6), 3:00 22 May 1998 Ginásio Isael Pastuch, União da Vitória, Brazil

[205]

Exhibition

2 fights 0 wins 0 losses
Draws 1
Non-scored 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
2 Draw 0–0–1 (1) Chael Sonnen 5 Jun 15, 2024 São Paulo, Brazil
1 0–0 (1) Bruno Machado 8 May 21, 2022 Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Non-scored bout

Muay Thai Record

Kickboxing record
1 Wins ,0 losses
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2003-04-13 Win   Tadeu Sanmartino Storm Muay Thai Brazil Knockout (Kicks,Punch) 1 2:57

Pay-per-view bouts

MMA

No. Event Fight Date PPV Buys
1. UFC 64 Franklin vs. Silva 14 October 2006 300,000
2. UFC 67 Silva vs. Luter 3 February 2007 400,000
3. UFC 73 Silva vs. Marquardt 7 July 2007 425,000
4. UFC 77 Silva vs. Franklin 2 20 October 2007 325,000
5. UFC 82 Silva vs. Henderson 1 March 2008 325,000
6. UFC 90 Silva vs. Côté 25 October 2008 300,000
7. UFC 97 Silva vs. Leites 18 April 2009 650,000
8. UFC 101 Silva vs. Griffin (co) 8 August 2009 850,000
9. UFC 112 Silva vs. Maia 10 April 2010 500,000
10. UFC 117 Silva vs. Sonnen 7 August 2010 600,000
11. UFC 126 Silva vs. Belfort 5 February 2011 725,000
12. UFC 134 Silva vs. Okami 27 August 2011 335,000
13. UFC 148 Silva vs. Sonnen 2 7 July 2012 925,000
14. UFC 153 Silva vs. Bonnar 13 October 2012 375,000
15. UFC 162 Silva vs. Weidman 6 July 2013 550,000
16. UFC 168 Weidman vs. Silva 2 28 December 2013 1,025,000[206]
17. UFC 183 Silva vs. Diaz 31 January 2015 650,000
18. UFC 208 Silva vs. Brunson (co) 11 February 2017 200,000
19. UFC 234 Adesanya vs. Silva 10 February 2019 175,000[207]
Total sales 9,635,000

Boxing

Main Event

United States
No. Date Fight Billing Buys Network Revenue
1 June 19, 2021 Chávez Jr. vs. Silva Tribute to the Kings FITE TV
2 October 29, 2022 Paul vs. Silva 300,000 Showtime $17,997,000
Total 300,000 $17,997,000

Co-Main Event

United States
No. Date Fight Billing Buys Network Revenue
1 May 21, 2022 Mayweather Jr. vs. Moore
Silva vs. Machado
The Showcase in the Skies of Dubai FITE TV
2 May 21, 2022 Holyfield vs. Belfort
Silva vs. Ortiz
No Holds Barred 150,000[208] Triller $7,500,000
Total 150,000 $7,500,000

See also

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Achievements
Preceded by 5th UFC Middleweight Champion
14 October 2006 – 6 July 2013
Succeeded by
Preceded by 2nd Pride FC Welterweight Champion
1 March 2008
Title Unified with UFC Middleweight Championship
Vacant
Title last held by
Paul Jenkins
2nd Cage Rage Middleweight Champion
11 September 2004 – 20 October 2008
Parent promotion EliteXC folded