Tag Archives: anderson silva
Devin Haney: “Anderson Silva Was A Beast In The Octagon But He Should’ve Been A Boxer”
By: Hans Themistode
Although Anderson Silva has spent the majority of his fighting career in the UFC’s octagon, Devin Haney has always been in awe.
After spending roughly two decades dominating inside the steel cage, Silva has decided to forego his Mixed Martial Arts gear in favor of boxing gloves. With Silva having little to no experience in the ring, the future UFC Hall of Famer took on former middleweight belt holder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. earlier this year.
While he may have been pegged as the underdog, Silva had a relatively easy time outboxing his man. For an encore, Silva made another trip to the ring this past weekend, taking on fellow former UFC star, Tito Ortiz. Silva wasted no time in destroying his man, landing a flush right hook that saw Ortiz hit the deck.
Considering everything that Silva has achieved in his MMA career, Haney has nothing but the utmost respect for his accomplishments. With that said, the current WBC lightweight champion is under the impression that Silva may have originally made the wrong professional choice.
“Anderson Silva was a beast in the octagon,” said Haney on his social media account. “But he should’ve been a boxer with what he’s doing at his age.”
At the age of 46, Silva is considered long in the tooth in terms of boxing years. However, despite the age, Silva believes he has a sizable amount of time left in his newly adopted sport.
“My goal is my last fight is 49,” said Silva during an interview with TMZ. “49, I’m done. Probably, I’m done. That is my goal. Fight 3 more years and done. 49. That’s the number. Maybe I can fight more, but right now my goal is when I turn 49, I stop fighting. But I don’t know. I’m in good shape. I’m so happy to go to the gym every day. I’m such a lucky guy because God gave me the opportunity for me to continue doing my job.”
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Tito Ortiz: “It’s My First One And I’ll F*cking Be Back”
By: Hans Themistode
Tito Ortiz was envisioning a beautiful and triumphant night.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion ditched his MMA gloves in favor of boxing attire and took on fellow former UFC star, Anderson Silva. The two faced off at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, in an eight-round exhibition.
Although Ortiz expressed a great deal of confidence heading in, Silva proved to be far too much on the night, catching his man with a flush right hook in the opening round that saw Ortiz hit the deck in a heap. Still, regardless of the result, while it may have been his first time in the ring, don’t expect it to be his last.
“It’s my first one and I’ll f*cking be back,” said Ortiz during an interview with Fight Hub TV. “Win some, lose some but I will fight another day.”
Early on, before Ortiz met his unfortunate demise, the former UFC star enjoyed moments of success. Considering that Ortiz walked into their showdown with an eight-pound weight advantage on the scales, Ortiz attempted to bully his man. With just over a minute left in the opening frame, Ortiz pinned Silva against the ropes and began uncorking several shots.
The overzealous nature of Ortiz, however, ultimately left him open to the fight-ending blow shortly after. Having fought some of the biggest punchers in UFC history, including long-time rival Chuck Liddell, Ortiz believes that he was never hit as hard as he was by Silva last night.
“I made a little mistake, just being a little too wild. I never been clipped like that, even Liddell didn’t clip me like that. I was being too stupid for standing in front of him like that.”
Throughout a career that’s spanned more than two decades, Ortiz has registered several knockout wins in the cage. Nevertheless, despite showing off concussive power, Ortiz is primarily known as a wrestler. As he attempts to continue his acclimation process to the sweet science, Ortiz vows that he’ll be back sooner rather than later.
“I never boxed before but it was an opportunity and it was fun,” explained Ortiz. “I trained as hard as I possibly could for it. I’m going to continue to box. I still want to box, I’m just learning. I’m not a boxer, I’m a wrestler. I’ll be back, I promise you.”
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Tito Ortiz: “Anderson [Silva] Is Gonna Try To Do His Bruce Lee Bullshit, I’m Gonna Come To Fight”
By: Hans Themistode
Sometimes, things become far more complexed than they need to be.
Heading into his boxing debut against former UFC star Anderson Silva, Tito Ortiz is still attempting to get comfortable in the squared circle. Having spent the past few decades building his name and perfecting his craft in the Mixed Martial Arts world, Ortiz won’t fulminate with anyone who says he isn’t a boxer.
In fact, the 46-year-old agrees with those assertions. With that said, while the 2012 UFC Hall of Famer won’t disguise the fact that he’s a boxing newbie, once the bell rings, he’ll be looking to cause serious damage.
“I’m a fighter,” said Ortiz during a press conference. “I’m not a boxer, I’m learning boxing, I’m going to continue to learn boxing but I’m a fighter. I’m gonna come in and swing for the fences.”
Ortiz vs. Silva is set to co-main event a five-fight card at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Hollywood, Florida later on tonight, which is headlined by Evander Holyfield vs. Vitor Belfort.
Much like Ortiz, Silva is still getting accustomed to fighting on a boxing stage as opposed to inside a steel cage. But, so far so good. After losing his professional boxing debut against Osmar Luiz Teixeira in 1998 via first-round stoppage, Silva would return to the ring seven years later against Julio Cesar De Jesus, scoring a second-round knockout victory.
From there, Silva prioritized a career in MMA and went on to become one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen. After dominating for over a decade, it appeared as though Silva was on his way to retirement. However, when the opportunity to face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in a boxing ring was presented to him, Silva found it to be an irresistible proposition.
Although Silva hadn’t fought in a professional contest in 16 years, he shook off the cobwebs and won a close but clear split decision on the night.
Known for his karate style of attack, Ortiz is well aware of what Silva brings to the table. Not to overcomplicate things, Ortiz has made his game plan to defeat Silva as simple as possible.
“I use two fists and try to punch through Anderson Silva’s face,” explained Ortiz. “Anderson is gonna try to do his Bruce Lee bullshit, I’m gonna come in to fight. That’s what I know how to do.”
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Anderson Silva Set To Take On Tito Ortiz On September 11th
By: Hans Themistode
Anderson Silva had grown accustomed to locking himself in a cage and using his knees, elbows, fists, and chokeholds to pick up the win. However, with the former mixed martial arts star making the switch to the professional boxing ring instead, it appears as though he’ll be sticking around much longer.
After picking up an unexpected win against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June of 2021, Silva will now make his return to the ring. Standing on the opposite side of him in the squared circle will be former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz, who will be making his boxing debut. The two are scheduled to face off as part of a Triller pay-per-view on September 11th, as the co-main event to Oscar De La Hoya vs. Vitor Belfort
With the opportunity to continue his newfound combat career, Silva couldn’t be happier.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity, along with my team, to get in the ring against Tito Ortiz on Sept. 11 with Triller Fight Club, who are really shaking things up in the combat sports world.”
While Silva may have made his name fighting in the UFC’s octagon, so too did Ortiz. Long before Jon Jones, whom many consider to be the greatest light heavyweight of all time, Ortiz proudly held that distinction.
During a three and a half year span, Ortiz dominated the division, winning the light heavyweight crown and defending it a then-record five times. He’s since had one foot out the mixed martial arts door as he briefly entered retirement in the mid-2010s. Currently, despite being 46 years of age, Ortiz is enjoying a career renaissance of sorts. After suffering losses in six of his past seven fights from 2008-2012, Ortiz has strung together victories in five of his past six fights, including three straight.
Having done everything that there is to do in the mixed martial arts world, Ortiz is not only looking forward to trying his hand at something completely different but as he’s been seen on numerous occasions walking to the cage with the American flag draped around his shoulders, he’s honored to be fighting on September 11th.
“I am excited to be taking on a new challenge and compete against another great fighter in Anderson Silva,” said Ortiz. “As a patriot, fighting on Sept. 11 means a lot to me.”
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MMA Legend Anderson Silva Shocks Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Wins Split Decision
By: Hans Themistode
Anderson Silva didn’t need to do it. The mixed martial arts legend had already carved out a Hall of Fame career in the UFC’s octagon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. Still, with the chance to face the son of a legend in Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Silva simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Before Silva became known for his abilities in the cage, he was an up and coming boxer. Although he hadn’t stepped foot inside the ring since 2005, scoring a second-round stoppage win, he proved that there was little to no ring rust.
In front of a jam-packed crowd at the Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, the two faced off as the co-main event to the four-round exhibition showdown between Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Hector Camacho Jr.
Starting off, Silva didn’t appear out of his element. The MMA legend flicked out a strong jab and got right into the face of Chavez Jr. To offset his man, Silva threw several combinations that landed flush. To the credit of Chavez Jr., however, he brushed them off and attempted to get his offense going.
As he was known to do in his MMA career, Silva dropped his hands and used slick head movement to make Chavez Jr. miss. In the process of doing so, Silva also made him pay.
The following round was much of the same. Silva got the better of the exchanges on the outside and pushed the pace. During the bout, Silva had a tendency to lift his foot awkwardly at times before throwing a combination. Chavez Jr. appeared noticeably confused and Silva would immediately capitalize.
Seemingly unaffected by the tricky moves of Silva, Chavez Jr. got things going a bit in the fourth round. He pinned Silva back against the ropes and landed huge shots, looking to end the night. Silva though, never appeared hurt, he simply maneuvered off the ropes and got himself back into the fight.
As the championship rounds of their bout rolled ahead, Silva was seemingly the fresher fighter. He bounced on his toes as if he was going to throw a leg kick, only to hurl a barrage of punches instead. For long stretches, Chavez Jr. stood in the corner with his back against the ropes, waiting for the onslaught to subside. Not wanting to leave anything to chance, Silva obliged, letting Chavez Jr. get into the middle of the ring where he would easily outbox his man again.
With the sound of the final bell ringing, Silva immediately jumped onto the ropes in celebration as if to say he won the bout.
He was right.
One judge scoring the contest had it 77-75 in favor of Chavez Jr. but was overruled by the two remaining judges who had it 77-75 in favor of Silva.
With the win officially in his back pocket, Silva shared a heartfelt moment with Canelo Alvarez as he watched from his ringside seat. The two held hands and embraced for several minutes while sharing a few words.
As for what Silva plans to do next, in an interview with Boxinginsider.com earlier this week, the MMA legend revealed that there’s a good chance that this won’t be his last time inside a boxing ring.
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Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Misses Weight For Showdown Against Anderson Silva, Pays 100k In Fees, Fight Still On
By: Hans Themistode
While it may have come as a surprise to Anderson Silva, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. has been down this road before.
As the two spent the past several months preparing for their eight-round co-main event showdown, which will take place at the Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, tomorrow night, the pair originally agreed to a contracted weight of 182 pounds.
Silva, who is a former UFC middleweight champion, stepped onto the scales earlier today and easily made the weight. As for Chavez Jr., he failed to do so, weighing 184.4 pounds. As a result, Chavez Jr. was forced to fork over $100k in fees. Now, with Silva’s wallet getting a bit heftier, their contest will go on as scheduled.
While Silva won’t complain about the extra cash, ultimately, he’s disappointed with his opponent’s lack of professionalism.
“Well guys, I’ve been a combat sports professional for over 20 years,” said Silva. ”I’ve always accomplished my duties inside and outside of the ring. The contractual weight for tomorrow’s fight is 182lbs, which I accomplished through months of hard work alongside my team. Unfortunately, my opponent came in at 184.4lbs. Despite this, I will still put on a great show for you all.”
After wrapping a career that many believe places him in the conversation for greatest martial artist of all time, Silva officially hung up his gloves following a knockout loss in the UFC late last year. Although he was content with his decision, when the opportunity to face Chavez Jr. presented itself, Silva simply couldn’t say no.
In the main event of the night, Chavez Jr.’s father, Julio Caesar Chavez Sr., will take on Hector Camacho Jr. in a four-round exhibition.
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Anderson Silva Tells Boxing Insider Radio That This May Not Be The Last Time He Enters A Boxing Ring
On the verge of facing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the boxing ring, former UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, took the time to sit down with the crew to discuss his excitement level for his upcoming fight.
It’s been over a decade and a half since Silva competed in a fight that restricted him to only boxing rules. Regardless of how new this experience is for him, Silva couldn’t stop smiling as he watches the time slowly tick by until he steps into the ring. To tune into the full conversation, subscribe to Boxing Insider Radio on iTunes, Spotify or simply head over to Boxinginsider.com.
The news was both unexpected and compelling.
After wrapping up a legendary mixed martial arts career, Anderson Silva believed his fighting days were over. At least in MMA.
Just a few months ago, Silva was approached with the opportunity to face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. as the co-main event to the exhibition contest between Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. and Hector Camacho Jr. in Guadalajara Mexico tomorrow night.
During the career of Silva, he’s accomplished just about everything in the MMA world. His UFC middleweight title reign is the longest in history as it spanned 2,457 days. Whenever the greatest of all-time conversation is broached, Silva is smack dab in the middle of it. Yet, no matter how great his career in mixed martial arts was, it’s hard for him to wrap his head around the opportunity he has standing in front of him.
“I’m very excited,” said Silva during an interview with Boxing Insider Radio. “I’m on the same card as Camacho and Julio Cesar Chavez and I go fight with the son. I’m impressed and so lucky. I pray every day and say thank you God for the opportunity, I’m very excited.”
While Silva made his bones in the UFC, before he became a well established star, Silva was a fledgling boxer who was attempting to prove himself. In 1998, Silva made his boxing debut against Osmar Luiz Teixeira, losing via first-round stoppage. Silva wouldn’t return until seven years later in 2005, this time against Julio Cesar De Jesus. The results for his second fight were much more to his liking as Silva picked up the victory via second-round knockout. Considering that he isn’t tied to any fighting organizations at the moment, Silva believes that there’s a good chance that his foray into boxing this weekend, won’t be one and done.
“Everything is possible right now, I don’t need to prove nothing to anybody. Maybe after this fight, I’ll fight Jujitsu or boxing again.”
The career of Silva has often been praised but as for his opponent, Chavez Jr. has received a ton of criticism over the years. His father, who is in the main event against Camacho Jr., won multiple world titles across numerous weight classes and was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010.
By most, Chavez Sr. is an all-timer. His son, on the other hand, continues to miss weight and has put on on several poor performances. But while his critics might be right, the condemnation of Chavez Jr. is something that Silva ultimately has a problem with.
“A lot of people judge other people but you can’t say nothing when you don’t go inside the ring and do the same job. The people can’t say nothing about Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. because he’s a fighter. Every single person has their own personal problems.”
