Anderson da Silva[1] (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈɐ̃deʁsõ ˈsiwvɐ]; born 14 April 1975) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and professional boxer.

[28][non-tertiary source needed] After winning his first match in Japan, he was put up against Shooto champion Hayato Sakurai on 26 August 2001.

[30] After his loss to Takase, Silva became demotivated and thought about quitting MMA, but was convinced to keep on fighting by Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Silva then left Chute Boxe, joined Nogueira in Brazilian Top Team and started to fight in other promotions around the world.

[28][non-tertiary source needed] That year, Silva returned to Pride FC on 31 December to face Ryo Chonan.

During the third round, Bas Rutten, commentating alongside Mauro Ranallo, stated that he believed Anderson must obtain a knockout or strong finish or he would lose the fight.

Despite being the underdog, Chonan ended the fight in the third round with a rare flying scissor heel hook, forcing Silva to submit.

[32] Silva competed in Hawaii's Rumble on the Rock promotion, where he fought Yushin Okami in the first round of the 175 lb tournament.

Silva was crowned the new UFC Middleweight Champion, becoming the second man to defeat Franklin, after Black House-teammate Lyoto Machida.

[40] On 3 February 2007, at UFC 67, Silva was scheduled to fight The Ultimate Fighter 4 winner Travis Lutter in what would be his first title defense since defeating Rich Franklin in October 2006.

In his next fight at UFC 73 on 7 July 2007, Silva successfully defended his title against Nate Marquardt, winning by TKO at 4:50 in the first round.

[45] At UFC Fight Night 14 on 19 July 2008, Silva made his debut at Light Heavyweight (205 lb (93 kg)) in a bout against James Irvin.

Referee Herb Dean declared the fight over when Côté could not continue, ruling the bout a TKO victory for Silva.

[58] However, Soares and a UFC spokesperson confirmed that a conversation agreeing Silva would permanently move up to Light Heavyweight never took place.

[67] Midway through the fourth round, White walked away from the fight and gave the championship belt to Silva's manager, Ed Soares.

White was so annoyed that he declined to personally place the belt around Silva's waist, claiming it was the first time he had done so after a title match.

In the first round, Sonnen stunned Silva with a punch before taking him down and dominating from the top position, landing multiple blows.

[80] With the win Silva handed Belfort his first KO loss in 28 career fights and extended his record streak of title defenses to eight.

[88] Although he was the heavy favorite,[89] he lost by KO in the second round after show boating,[90] ending his streak of the longest title reign in UFC history.

[99] On 29 October 2014, it was announced that Silva would coach opposite Maurício Rua for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4, which began filming in early 2015.

In the days after the fight, it was revealed that Silva tested positive for Drostanolone and Androstane, two anabolic steroids, in pre-fight drug screening on 9 January 2015.

The commission rejected the defense and suspended him for one year retroactive to the date of the fight, as the current guidelines were not in effect at the time of the failed tests.

[135] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round after a kick from Cannonier to Silva's right leg injured him and rendered him unable to continue.

[139] In an Instagram post made after the fight, Silva hinted that his career in MMA was finished, though he did not officially announce retirement from the sport.

[146] Silva faced former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Tito Ortiz in a pro boxing bout[147][148] on 11 September 2021.

[150] On 22 September 2022, it was announced that Silva would be facing YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul on 29 October in Phoenix, Arizona.

[152] On 21 May 2022, Silva fought an eight round exhibition bout with fellow Brazilian MMA veteran Bruno Machado at a boxing event in Abu Dhabi.

[153] Silva faced Chael Sonnen on 15 June 2024 in a five-round, two minute exhibition boxing bout at 216 pounds in São Paulo, Brazil.

Owner of numerous UFC offensive striking records, Silva is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the history of MMA and many consider him the best of all time.

[156][157][158] Silva's striking accuracy, knockout power, technically vicious Muay Thai and ability to counterstrike makes him a danger to his opponents.