Anderson da Silva is a Brazilian-American boxer and MMA fighter who was born on April 14, 1975.
He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion who held the championship for the longest time in UFC history (2,457 days).
This spanned from 2006 until 2013, and included a UFC record 16 consecutive victories.
UFC president Dana White, UFC analyst Joe Rogan, and several MMA experts have named Silva one of the best mixed martial artists of all time.
Early life and Education
Anderson Silva was born in So Paulo, Brazil, on April 14, 1975.
He grew up in Curitiba, Brazil, with his aunt and uncle, both of whom worked for the Curitiba police force.
He started learning martial arts at a young age to protect himself from bullies.
At the age of 14, he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and eventually added boxing, muay thai, and taekwondo to his skills.
Silva began his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 1997, competing in Brazil and Japan before joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2006.
He went on to become one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, winning and defending the middleweight belt a record ten times.
Silva attended college in Brazil and earned a degree in physical education.
He has also trained in capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.
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Career
Anderson Silva is a retired Brazilian MMA fighter and former UFC Middleweight Champion who is widely viewed as one of the best MMA fighters of all time.
He began his professional MMA career in 1997 and retired in 2020, having competed for PRIDE FC, Cage Rage, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Silva’s UFC career is particularly significant, as he had a 16-fight winning streak and defended his middleweight belt a record-breaking ten times between 2006 and 2013.
With 18 knockdowns, he also holds the record for most in UFC history.
Anderson Silva’s striking ability and ability to employ unconventional tactics, such as the front kick, earned him the moniker “The Spider.”
Silva’s UFC battles include knockouts of Vitor Belfort, Forrest Griffin, and Rich Franklin, as well as a five-round epic versus Chael Sonnen at UFC 117.
In 2015, he tested positive for prohibited substances and was suspended for a year by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
He also sustained a horrific leg injury in his rematch with Chris Weidman at UFC 168 in 2013, which sidelined him for more than a year.
Despite these losses, Silva’s place in sports history is secure.
He finished his career with a record of 34 wins, 11 losses, and one no-contest.
In 2019, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Anderson Silva is a private individual who has kept most of his personal life private.
He is married to Dayane Silva, and the couple has five children.
Silva is a fervent Christian who has openly discussed how his faith has aided him throughout his career.
Silva is also involved in a number of charitable endeavors.
He has given money and resources to children in need, including the construction of a gym for disadvantaged youngsters in Brazil.
He has also assisted with the Spider Kick program, which teaches martial arts to autistic children.
Silva made headlines in 2019 when he assisted in the arrest of an armed robber in Brazil.
He was at a store with his family when he noticed the robbery taking place and tackled the suspect, holding him until the police arrived.
