UPDATE: MMA legend Anderson Silva is set to make his highly anticipated return to the boxing ring on November 14, 2023, facing off against his longtime rival Chris Weidman in a six-round heavyweight bout. This dramatic showdown will take place on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis fight at the Kaseya Center in Miami and will be streamed live exclusively on Netflix.
The stakes are high as Silva, 50, looks to avenge two past losses to Weidman, who famously ended Silva’s historic 2,457-day reign as UFC middleweight champion back in July 2013. Silva’s first defeat came via knockout, while their rematch five months later ended with Silva suffering a gruesome leg break.
Silva expressed his excitement in a recent statement:
“I am super excited to embark on another battle against Chris… It will be a spectacle for the fans!”
Meanwhile, Weidman, 41, is eager to maintain his undefeated boxing record, stating,
“I’m the original spider killer.”
The announcement comes from Nakisa Bidarian, CEO and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, who revealed that Silva’s team approached them immediately after the Paul-Davis fight was confirmed. Bidarian emphasized the significance of this matchup for fans in Brazil and the broader MMA community.
This boxing match will mark Weidman’s professional boxing debut, following a challenging period in his MMA career that included a series of injuries and a retirement announcement in January. He previously held the UFC middleweight title for two and a half years, with successful defenses against Silva and other top fighters.
Silva’s boxing record stands at 3-2, with a notable victory over former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in 2021. This bout against Weidman not only signifies a historic rivalry rekindled but also offers a chance for both fighters to cement their legacies in the sport.
Fans are urged to mark their calendars for this thrilling event on November 14, as Silva and Weidman prepare to settle unfinished business in the boxing ring. Don’t miss this epic chapter in MMA history!
