Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen went the distance in an exhibition boxing match in Brazil, where Silva chose not to win as a tribute to their history, and he later explained that knockouts were not allowed in the exhibition.
Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen went the distance in an exhibition boxing match this past weekend in Brazil. “The Spider” said he decided not to win the match as a “tribute” to their history.
Silva and Sonnen fought twice for the UFC middleweight championship. These were two of the most watched MMA clashes of all time, both ending with Silva as the winner. The duo headlined Spaten Fight Night on June 15, which was billed as Silva’s final bout on Brazilian soil.
Silva told the media after the lackluster match that knockouts weren’t allowed since it was an exhibition. He took to social media Friday to elaborate on his performance.
“I know some said the match should have been more aggressive,” Silva wrote in Portuguese. “Each fight has its own dynamic.” He chose to be in the ring with an opponent so important in his history.
“I could have fought to win, but I preferred to do this as a tribute to our history,” he continued. “That’s why I didn’t win the belt.”
“We win in many ways in life,” he added. “Being beside you all that night was the biggest victory of all.” It was incredible for him to say goodbye to Brazilian rings with so much love. “Love you.”
A ceremonial belt was presented Wednesday during a face-off in Sao Paulo. Neither fighter took it home.
Silva said after the Sonnen match that he’s currently in talks to compete in a professional boxing match in Dubai later this year. However, he wasn’t allowed to reveal the opponent.
The UFC Hall of Famer has won two of three pro boxing bouts since parting ways with the UFC in 2020. He defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Tito Ortiz before losing to Jake Paul, then went the distance in boxing exhibitions with Sonnen and Bruno Azeredo.
Fala meu povo, venho aqui agradecer o carinho de vocês… Anderson Silva tweeted his gratitude for the support during what he called a historic night for him. His last fight in his country, his son fighting—it felt like a movie of his life.
Sei que alguns falaram que a luta deveria ter sido mais agressiva… He acknowledged some thought the fight should have been more aggressive but emphasized that each fight has its own unique dynamic.
And there you have it—an evening filled with nostalgia, respect, and a touch of unpredictability from one of MMA’s legends.