The boxing match between UFC legends Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen was not a professional bout.
Earlier this week, fans were shocked to hear that “The Spider” and “American Gangster” would face off one last time. Chael Sonnen has not competed since a knockout loss to Lyoto Machida inside the Bellator cage in 2019, while Anderson Silva has not competed since losing a unanimous decision to Jake Paul in late 2022.
Chael Sonnen retired after his last loss, but the former UFC title challenger felt the need to end his retirement to face Anderson Silva this summer. The two are scheduled to main card a five-round boxing bout on June 15 in Brazil. They are scheduled to weigh in at 216 pounds, but there is one problem with the bout.
It was first reported Mixed Martial ArtsThe Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen III boxing exhibition bout earlier this week will not count against either fighter's professional records and will use slightly larger 14-ounce gloves.
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Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen III is now officially an exhibition boxing match
Brazilian Boxing Federation President Gaisa Caliñi confirmed the news: Mixed Martial Arts The match will take place on Monday. It is worth noting that city council members have confirmed that the winner will be announced on the day of the fight. However, the fight will not count towards either fighter's professional boxing record. For Anderson Silva, the exhibition will be his second career fight.
“The Spider” dominated Bruno Machado on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Don Moore in May 2022. However, because that bout was an exhibition, it was not scored by the judges. That won't be the case for Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen III. Although the bout is not professional, both fighters will undoubtedly be looking to win on fight day.
The boxing match between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen will likely bring to an end a 14-year rivalry between the two. “The Spider” previously upset the wrestler and submitted him in the fifth round of their title bout at UFC 117. In the rematch two years later, Silva again handed Sonnen a defeat, this time by knockout in the second round.
What do you think about this boxing news? Will you watch Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen III, even though it's just an exhibition match?
