Anderson Silva To Box Chris Weidman – How Does It Play Out?

Ex-UFC Middleweight Champions Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman will box in a six-rounder at heavyweight, with a weight limit of 205 pounds. 

The fight will take place on the November 14 Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis undercard. It is the third instalment of their rivalry after the previous two took place under the UFC banner. Weidman holds the edge, having given Silva a defeat at UFC 162 in 2013 to claim the middleweight title. In doing so, he put an end to Silva’s 16-fight win streak. The rematch was another win for Weidman, although in less impressive circumstances.

Silva broke his leg while trying to land a kick, as Weidman won by a second-round TKO at UFC 168.  This time around, Silva may have the advantage. Silva has prior boxing experience, with a 3-2 record. He has secured wins over the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Tito Ortiz. However, his last fight was a boxing bout against Jake Paul in 2022, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss.

Reaction

"Anderson and his team approached me immediately after the Jake Paul vs. ‘Tank’ Davis fight was announced and said they would like to be a part of the event and he would like to fight Chris Weidman. Once it was clear that both men wanted it, and wanted it as a professional fight, MVP was 100% in, given the history between them, reaching a broader generational consumer base and enhancing the event’s marketability in Brazil," Nakisa Bidarian (Most Valuable Promotions CEO and co-founder)

"I am super excited to embark on another battle against Chris. We have a history and on Friday, November 14th, live only on Netflix, we’re putting another stamp on our chapter together. It will be a spectacle for the fans," Silva

"I’m undefeated in boxing and it’s gonna stay that way on Friday, Nov. 14, live on Netflix. I’m the original spider killer," Weidman

The Approach

Weidman may adopt a high-pressure style, attempting to use the tactics that proved successful in their first MMA fight: forcing Silva to back up and taking away the space he needs to operate. However, without the threat of a takedown or a check to prevent Silva’s movement, this approach will be extremely risky. Weidman’s boxing debut will mean his footwork and defensive head movement are significantly less refined than Silva’s, leaving him open to counters.

Silva, operating at a heavier weight of 205 pounds (where he has boxed successfully before), will be content to circle the ring, measuring Weidman with his long, accurate jab. The fight will likely see Anderson Silva punishing the slower Weidman with sharp counter-hooks and clean one-two combinations as Weidman tires from constant forward pursuit. While Weidman’s known toughness may keep him in the fight, Silva may be seen as the favorite due to his boxing experience.

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