Anderson Silva faces certainly one of his most fascinating challenges but because the UFC legend prepares for his six-round cruiserweight boxing bout in opposition to Tyron Woodley on December 19, 2025 at Caseya Middle in Miami. Silva was initially scheduled to face Chris Weidman in a boxing trilogy, however his opponent was changed on the final minute after Weidman injured his bicep tendon throughout apply. Weidman tore a tendon whereas delivering a left hook, however was unable to recuperate in time, so Woodley took his place.
anderson silva
Silva’s UFC profession spanned from his debut in 2006 till October 2020, throughout which era he established himself as one of the dominant athletes in fight sports activities whereas constructing a legendary report. The Brazilian middleweight champion made an unprecedented 11 consecutive title defenses, essentially the most in UFC historical past, and held the belt for two,457 days, the longest title reign within the group. He earned 12 post-fight bonuses throughout his time within the UFC, and 23 of his 34 wins got here by KO or end. His reign led to July 2013 when Chris Weidman knocked him out at UFC 162, ending Silva contained in the Octagon for the primary time.
Since retiring from MMA in 2020, Silva has pursued boxing professionally. His present skilled boxing report is 3 wins and a couple of losses. In 2021, he defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. by cut up determination and knocked out Tito Ortiz within the first spherical in an exhibition match. Silva confronted Jake Paul in October 2022, dropping by unanimous determination in an eight-round cruiserweight bout. Most not too long ago, he fought legendary UFC rival Chel Sonnen to a attract a five-round exhibition in Brazil in June 2024.
Tyron Woodley
In Woodley’s UFC profession, he defeated Robbie Lawler by first-round knockout at UFC 201 in 2016 to turn into the welterweight champion. Woodley, from Missouri, defended his title in opposition to Darren Until and Demian Maia, incomes efficiency bonuses for each wins. Nevertheless, he struggled in his ultimate yr within the UFC, dropping 4 straight fights earlier than dropping by submission to Vicente Luque in March 2021. His skilled boxing report is 0 wins and a couple of losses, together with a cut up determination loss to Jake Paul in August 2021 and a KO loss in a rematch in December 2021.
Anderson Silva prepares for boxing match with Tyron Woodley
Silva expressed enthusiasm for enjoying in opposition to Woodley regardless of being substituted with an harm. In an interview with MMA Combating’s Mike Heck, he mirrored on his preparation and mentioned:
“When folks discuss to me about it, I say, ‘Wow, I would like to alter some issues in my aggressive coaching.'” Whenever you begin watching Woodley fights, you say, “Wow, there’s a whole lot of work to do to alter your complete technique.” However I’ve an excellent coach, Coach Jericho, and the entire crew working laborious to assist me change every little thing. I am very excited. I believe it is a good problem for my thoughts and physique. ”
Relating to the transfer from his unique opponent, Silva welcomed the brand new opponent however admitted his disappointment with Weidman.
“To begin with, I really feel a bit of bit sorry for Chris as a result of he was coaching laborious for this combat and had an harm to his arm. However I hope Chris is feeling good now and perhaps sooner or later he may have an opportunity to combat me on the subsequent occasion. I am very excited as a result of I wish to problem myself. God is superb and provides us the chance to do what we love.
Silva, 50, has a big peak benefit over Woodley, 43, being 5 inches taller and has a four-inch attain benefit. Silva’s boxing report reveals a knockout energy of 67%. The combat between Woodley and Silva shall be hosted on the Netflix card as a part of the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua occasion.
