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Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and professional boxer, best known for his long reign as UFC Middleweight Champion.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Anderson Silva is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and professional boxer, best known for his long reign as UFC Middleweight Champion. He held the UFC middleweight title from 2006 to 2013 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023. His nickname is 'The Spider.'

Early life and background

Anderson da Silva was born on 14 April 1975 in São Paulo, Brazil. He became known in combat sports under the nickname 'The Spider.'

Mixed martial arts career

Silva became UFC Middleweight Champion and unified that title with the Pride World Welterweight Championship. His UFC title reign is the longest in company history, lasting 2,457 days, during which he recorded 16 consecutive UFC victories.

Later career

After leaving the UFC in November 2020, Silva continued his combat-sports career in boxing. He was later inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2023.

Legacy

Silva is commonly listed among the greatest MMA fighters of all time because of his championship run, finishing ability, and record-setting title defenses.

Key facts

  • Silva held the UFC middleweight title for a record 2,457 days.
  • He recorded 16 consecutive UFC victories during his title run.
  • He left the UFC in November 2020 and later returned to boxing.
  • He is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history.
  • He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2023.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Anderson Silva?
Anderson Silva is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and professional boxer best known as a former UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the sport’s most celebrated fighters.
How old is Anderson Silva?
He was born on 14 April 1975, which makes him 51 years old.
What happened to Anderson Silva's leg?
In his UFC 168 fight against Chris Weidman in December 2013, Silva’s left leg broke after a checked kick in the second round.
What is Anderson Silva's net worth?
A precise verified net worth is not consistently established in the provided sources. One source lists career disclosed earnings of $4,857,000, but that is not the same as net worth.
Is Anderson Silva retired?
He left the UFC in November 2020 and returned to boxing, so he is no longer an active UFC fighter; the provided sources do not clearly confirm a full retirement from combat sports.
Who did Anderson Silva lose to?
His most famous UFC loss was to Chris Weidman, who ended Silva’s middleweight title reign in 2013. Later UFC losses listed in the provided sources include Israel Adesanya, Jared Cannonier, Daniel Cormier, and Uriah Hall.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Silva
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, career overview, UFC title reign, UFC Hall of Fame induction, leaving UFC in 2020, return to boxing.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2335447/anderson-silva
    Supports: Birthdate, fight history and recent losses.
  3. Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/anderson-silva-the-spider
    Supports: Career disclosed earnings, birthdate, last fight, record.
  4. UFC Stats — https://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/1f454354805b6f75
    Supports: Date of birth and official UFC fighter record.
  5. Famous Birthdays — https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/anderson-silva.html
    Supports: Age based on birthdate and public biographical details; title reign context.