The UFC will induct the first chapter of Anderson Silva and Chel Sonnen's historic rivalry into its Hall of Fame later this year.
Silva and Sonnen first met in August 2010 in the main event of UFC 117 in Oakland. The bout was one of the most anticipated bouts of Silva's historic middleweight title reign, largely due to Sonnen's constant trash talk throughout the bout. Interest remained high, even though Silva, the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the time, was the heavy favorite.
Sonnen shocked the world for 23 minutes, dropping Silva with two strikes and dominating the floor. Sonnen, a former college wrestler, took the top spot in all five rounds and never relinquished it. Silva panicked as his team fervently begged him to turn things around.
With less than two minutes remaining, Silva surprised Sonnen with a triangle choke from below. Sonnen tried to roll back from Silva's guard, but ultimately tapped, giving Silva his eighth title defense and one of the biggest comebacks in UFC history. At the time, it was the most adversity Silva had faced in the UFC.
The two met again two years later at UFC 148 in Las Vegas. After Sonnen stumbled trying to deliver a spinning backfist, Silva knocked Sonnen out with a knee to his chest.
This will be his ninth fight inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Silva will also be appointed to the Pioneer wing in 2023.