Anderson Silva facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anderson Silva
Silva in 2012
Born	Anderson da Silva (1975-04-14) 14 April 1975 (age 50) São Paulo, Brazil
Other names	The Spider
Residence	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Nationality	Brazilian American
Height	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13.2 st)
Division	Welterweight Middleweight Light Heavyweight
Reach	77+1⁄2 in (197 cm)
Stance	Southpaw
Fighting out of	Curitiba, Brazil
Team	Chute Boxe Academy (1997–2003) Muay Thai Dream Team (2003–2006) Brazilian Top Team (2003–2006) Black House (2007–2013) Team Nogueira Killer Bees Muay Thai College (Founded/Current Team)
Trainer	Boxing: Josuel Distak and Luiz Dorea Jiu-Jitsu: Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Sylvio Behring and Ramon Lemos Wrestling: Mark Muñoz Muay Thai: Rafael Cordeiro, Pedro Rizzo, Israel Gomes Panantukan: Dan Inosanto
Rank	Black prajied in Muay Thai 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Antônio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira 5th dan black belt in Taekwondo Black belt in Judo Yellow rope in Capoeira
Years active	1997–2020 (MMA) 1998, 2005, 2021–present (Boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total	5
Wins	3
By knockout	2
Losses	2
By knockout	1
Kickboxing record
Total	1
Wins	1
By knockout	1
Mixed martial arts record
Total	46
Wins	34
By knockout	23
By submission	3
By decision	8
Losses	11
By knockout	4
By submission	2
By decision	4
By disqualification	1
No contests	1
Other information
Spouse	Dayane
Children	5

Anderson da Silva (born April 14, 1975) is a Brazilian and American mixed martial artist and professional boxer. He is known as "The Spider." He used to be the UFC Middleweight Champion. He holds the record for the longest time holding a title in UFC history, which was 2,457 days. This amazing streak lasted from 2006 to 2013. During that time, he also won 16 fights in a row, which is a UFC record. Silva left the UFC in November 2020 and started focusing on boxing. Many people think he is one of the best mixed martial artists ever. Silva was added to the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2023.

Early Life and Training

Silva was born on April 14, 1975, in São Paulo, Brazil. He grew up in a humble family and spent most of his childhood in Curitiba with his aunt and uncle. His uncle was a police officer. Silva started learning martial arts as a child, practicing jiu-jitsu with other kids in his neighborhood. As a teenager, Silva began training in taekwondo, capoeira, and muay thai.

Mixed Martial Arts Journey

Starting His Career (1997–2002)

Silva began his professional fighting career in Brazil in 1997. He won his first two fights. In 2000, he had his first loss. After that, he went on a winning streak, winning nine fights in a row. Six of these wins were by submission or TKO (technical knockout). In 2001, he fought Shooto champion Hayato Sakurai in Japan. Silva won this fight and became the new Shooto Middleweight Champion. He was the first person to defeat Sakurai, who had been undefeated in 20 fights.

Fighting in Pride and Cage Rage (2002–2006)

In 2002, Silva joined PRIDE Fighting Championships. In his first fight there, he won by stopping Alex Stiebling. He then won against Alexander Otsuka. At Pride 25, Silva faced former UFC champion Carlos Newton. Silva won by technical knockout after hitting Newton with a flying knee.

At Pride 26, Silva lost to Daiju Takase. This loss made Silva feel like quitting MMA. However, his friend Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira convinced him to keep fighting. Silva then joined a new team, Brazilian Top Team. He started fighting in other promotions around the world. In 2004, he won a fight against Jeremy Horn.

Silva then fought in the Cage Rage promotion in England. At Cage Rage 8, he defeated Lee Murray. Later that year, Silva returned to Pride FC and faced Ryo Chonan. Chonan won the fight in the third round, making Silva submit. After this loss, Pride released Silva. He continued to fight in Cage Rage and other promotions. Silva successfully defended his Cage Rage title against Curtis Stout. He also defended his championship against Tony Fryklund, winning with a reverse elbow in the first round.

Silva also competed in Hawaii's Rumble on the Rock. He was disqualified in a fight against Yushin Okami for an illegal kick. Silva later said he did not fully understand the rules for that event.

Joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (2006–2020)

Becoming Middleweight Champion

In April 2006, the UFC announced that they had signed Anderson Silva. He made his UFC debut at Ultimate Fight Night 5 on June 28, 2006. His opponent was Chris Leben, who had won all five of his UFC fights. Silva surprised everyone by knocking out Leben in just 49 seconds of the first round. This impressive win earned him his first Knockout of the Night award.

After this victory, the UFC asked fans who Silva should fight next. Most fans chose the UFC Middleweight Champion, Rich Franklin. Silva fought Franklin at UFC 64 on October 14, 2006. Silva won by TKO in the first round, becoming the new UFC Middleweight Champion. This fight also earned him a Knockout of the Night award and was named the 2006 Knockout of the Year.

His Amazing Championship Reign

Silva in 2007

On February 3, 2007, Silva was set to defend his title against Travis Lutter at UFC 67. Lutter did not make the correct weight, so it became a non-title fight. Silva won by submission in the second round.

In his next fight at UFC 73 on July 7, 2007, Silva successfully defended his title against Nate Marquardt. He won by TKO in the first round, earning another Knockout of the Night award.

Three months later, on October 20, 2007, at UFC 77, Silva had a rematch with Rich Franklin. Silva defended his belt again, defeating Franklin by TKO in the second round. This earned him another Knockout of the Night award.

On March 1, 2008, at UFC 82, Silva fought Pride Middleweight champion Dan Henderson. This fight was to combine the UFC and Pride titles. Silva defended his title by defeating Henderson with a rear naked choke in the second round. This fight earned Silva both a Fight of the Night and a Submission of the Night award.

At UFC Fight Night 14 on July 19, 2008, Silva fought at Light Heavyweight for the first time against James Irvin. Silva won by knockout in just over a minute of the first round.

Silva's next fight was on October 25, 2008, at UFC 90. He defended his Middleweight title against Patrick Côté. Côté injured his leg during the fight, and Silva won by TKO. Côté was the first of Silva's UFC opponents to make it past the second round.

On April 18, 2009, at UFC 97, Silva defeated Thales Leites by decision. This was his 9th win in a row in the UFC, setting a new record. Leites was the first fighter to take Silva through all five rounds to a judge's decision.

At UFC 101 on August 8, 2009, Silva fought at Light Heavyweight again against former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin. Silva knocked Griffin down three times in the first round. This fight earned Silva Knockout of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses. It was also named the 2009 Knockout of the Year.

Silva was scheduled to defend his title against Vitor Belfort several times, but the fights were delayed due to injuries. He eventually faced Demian Maia at UFC 112 on April 10, 2010. Silva won by unanimous decision after five rounds.

On August 7, 2010, Silva faced Chael Sonnen for the UFC Middleweight title at UFC 117. Sonnen controlled most of the fight. However, in the fifth round, Silva was able to apply a triangle armbar, forcing Sonnen to give up. This fight earned Silva Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night awards. It was also named the 2010 Submission of the Year and Fight of the Year.

Silva faced Vitor Belfort on February 5, 2011, at UFC 126. Silva landed a front kick to Belfort's jaw, knocking him down. He then followed up with punches, and the referee stopped the fight in the first round. This win extended Silva's record for title defenses to eight. This fight earned him another Knockout of the Night award.

Silva then faced Yushin Okami on August 27, 2011, at UFC 134. He defeated Okami by TKO in the second round, showing great skill. This win helped him get back at Okami for their earlier fight where Silva was disqualified.

A rematch with Chael Sonnen happened on July 7, 2012, at UFC 148. After being controlled in the first round, Silva stopped Sonnen in the second round with a TKO. This fight earned him another Knockout of the Night award.

He also defeated Stephan Bonnar by TKO in the first round of a light heavyweight fight on October 13, 2012, at UFC 153.

Losing the Title and Injuries

Silva faced Chris Weidman on July 6, 2013, at UFC 162. Even though he was expected to win, he lost by knockout in the second round. This ended his long title reign, which was the longest in UFC history.

A rematch was held at UFC 168 on December 28, 2013. In the second round, Weidman blocked one of Silva's leg kicks, which unfortunately broke Silva's left leg. The fight ended by TKO. Silva had surgery to fix his leg and recovered over several months.

After His Championship Reign

Silva returned to fighting and faced Nick Diaz at UFC 183 on January 31, 2015. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

In his next fight, Silva faced Michael Bisping on February 27, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 84. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Both fighters received Fight of the Night honors.

Silva was scheduled to fight Uriah Hall on May 14, 2016, but Silva had to pull out due to needing surgery.

Silva then stepped in on short notice to face UFC Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier in a non-title fight on July 9, 2016, at UFC 200. Silva lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Silva faced Derek Brunson on February 11, 2017, at UFC 208. He won by unanimous decision.

Silva was expected to fight Kelvin Gastelum twice, but both fights were canceled. The first time, Gastelum was removed from the fight. The second time, Silva was removed.

Silva returned and faced Israel Adesanya on February 10, 2019, at UFC 234. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.

Silva faced Jared Cannonier on May 11, 2019, at UFC 237. He lost the fight by TKO in the first round after a kick from Cannonier injured his leg.

Silva's last UFC fight was against Uriah Hall on October 31, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva. He lost the fight by technical knockout in the fourth round. After the fight, Silva hinted that his MMA career was over.

On November 19, 2020, the UFC announced that Silva was no longer under contract with them.

At UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, it was announced that Silva's first fight with Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 would be added to the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing on June 27, 2024.

Boxing Career

Professional Boxing Matches

Silva vs. Chávez Jr.

In March 2021, it was announced that Anderson Silva would fight Julio César Chávez Jr. in a boxing match on June 19, 2021. Silva won the fight by split decision. Silva threw many more punches than Chávez Jr.

Silva vs. Ortiz

Silva faced former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz in a professional boxing match on September 11, 2021. He won the fight by knockout in the first round.

Silva vs. Paul

On September 22, 2022, it was announced that Silva would fight YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul on October 29 in Phoenix, Arizona. Silva lost to Paul by unanimous decision.

Exhibition Boxing Matches

Silva vs. Machado

On May 21, 2022, Silva fought an exhibition match against fellow Brazilian MMA fighter Bruno Machado in Abu Dhabi. The fight went all eight rounds, and no winner was declared.

Silva vs. Sonnen

Silva faced Chael Sonnen on June 15, 2024, in a five-round exhibition boxing match in São Paulo, Brazil. Silva and Sonnen had fought twice before in the UFC. The boxing match went all five rounds and was declared a draw.

Fighting Style

Anderson Silva is an expert in Muay Thai, boxing, and taekwondo. He is mainly a stand-up fighter, meaning he prefers to strike rather than grapple on the ground. He holds many UFC records for striking and is considered one of the best strikers in MMA history. During his time in the UFC, he landed 60% of his strikes.

Silva's striking is known for being very accurate and powerful. He is also good at counterstriking. Silva can switch between southpaw (left-handed) and orthodox (right-handed) fighting stances easily.

Anderson Silva is also known for his excellent defense. He is very good at moving his head and body to avoid punches. He also uses smart footwork and kicks to control the distance in a fight. He has a 69% success rate in defending against takedowns in the UFC.

Even though he is famous for his striking, Silva has also won fights by submitting skilled grapplers. These include Olympic wrestler Dan Henderson, jiu-jitsu black belt Travis Lutter, and Olympic alternate Chael Sonnen.

Sponsors and Personal Life

Anderson Silva is friends with Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldo. In 2011, Silva became the first client of 9INE, a sports marketing company co-owned by Ronaldo. Since August 2011, Anderson has been sponsored by Corinthians, his favorite football club. He is also sponsored by the fast food chain Burger King.

Silva has three sons and two daughters with his wife, Dayane.

Before he became a professional fighter, Silva worked at McDonald's and as a file clerk. He looks up to Spider-Man, Bruce Lee, Muhammad Ali, and his mother as his heroes. He also loves comic books and comic book heroes.

Silva has often said that he believes his long-time friend B.J. Penn is the greatest pound-for-pound fighter ever.

Silva became a naturalized U.S. citizen in July 2019.

In 2011, Silva appeared in a music video for the song "Ainda Bem" by Brazilian singer Marisa Monte. Silva has also acted in movies like the 2014 action drama film Tapped Out and the 2019 crime action film The Invincible Dragon. In November 2023, Paramount+ released a 5-episode mini-series called Anderson "The Spider" Silva in Brazil and Canada. This show told the story of Silva's life, including his UFC career.

Filmography

Television and Film Roles

Music Videos

Achievements and Awards

Mixed Martial Arts

• Cage Rage Championships
  • Cage Rage Middleweight Championship (One time)
  • Three successful title defenses
• Shooto
  • Shooto Middleweight Championship (One time)
• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • UFC Hall of Fame (Pioneer wing, Class of 2023)
  • UFC Hall of Fame (Fight wing, Class of 2024) vs. Chael Sonnen 1 at UFC 117
  • UFC Middleweight Championship (One time)
    • Ten successful title defenses
      • Most successful title defenses in UFC Middleweight division history (10)
      • Most consecutive title defenses in UFC Middleweight division history (10)

*Second most consecutive title defenses in UFC history (10)

• • • Longest title reign in UFC history (2457 days)
    • Most wins in UFC Middleweight title fights (11)
    • Most finishes in UFC title fights (9)
    • Most knockouts in UFC title fights (7)
    • Most knockdowns in UFC title fights (10)
  • Fight of the Night (Five times) vs. Dan Henderson, Forrest Griffin, Chael Sonnen 1, Michael Bisping, and Israel Adesanya
  • Knockout of the Night (Seven times) vs. Chris Leben, Rich Franklin (2), Nate Marquardt, Forrest Griffin, Vitor Belfort, and Chael Sonnen 2
    • Most "Knockout of the Night" awards in UFC history (7)
  • Submission of the Night (Two times) vs. Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen 1
  • Longest win streak in UFC history (16)
    • Longest win streak in UFC Middleweight division history (13)
  • Second most finishes in UFC Middleweight division history (11)
  • Tied for most knockouts in UFC Middleweight division history (8)
  • Tied for most knockdowns in UFC Middleweight division history (13)
  • Most main events in UFC history (21)
  • Tied for third most wins in UFC Middleweight division history (14)
  • UFC.com Awards
    • 2006: Knockout of the Year vs. Rich Franklin 1
    • 2009: Knockout of the Year vs. Forrest Griffin
    • 2010: Submission of the Year & Fight of the Year vs. Chael Sonnen 1
    • 2011: Ranked #5 Knockout of the Year vs. Vitor Belfort
• ESPN.com
  • 2011 Knockout of the Year vs. Vitor Belfort on February 5
• Inside MMA
  • 2011 KO Kick of the Year Bazzie Award vs. Vitor Belfort on February 5
• MMA Live
  • 2010 Fight of the Year vs. Chael Sonnen on August 7
• Sherdog
  • 2009 Beatdown of the Year vs. Forrest Griffin on August 8
  • 2011 All-Violence 1st Team
  • Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Fame
• Spike Guys' Choice Awards
  • 2008 Most Dangerous Man
• Sports Illustrated
  • 2008 Fighter of the Year
• World MMA Awards
  • 2008 Fighter of the Year
  • 2010 Fight of the Year vs. Chael Sonnen on August 7
  • 2011 Knockout of the Year vs. Vitor Belfort on February 5
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
  • Most Outstanding Fighter (2012)
  • MMA Most Valuable Fighter (2012)
• Fight Matrix
  • 2007 Male Fighter of the Year
  • 2008 Male Fighter of the Year

Mixed Martial Arts Record Summary

Boxing Record Summary

Professional

Exhibition

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

Images for kids

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  Silva in 2012

See also

In Spanish: Anderson Silva (peleador) para niños