Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen were thoroughly defeated in an exhibition boxing match in Brazil last weekend, but “The Spider” said he decided not to win the bout as a “respect” to their history.
Silva and Sonnen had twice faced off for the UFC middleweight championship in two of the most highly-anticipated bouts in mixed martial arts history, both ending in victory for Silva. The two faced off in the main event of Spaten Fight Night on June 15, in what was billed as Silva's final bout on Brazilian soil.
Silva told media after the lackluster fight that the knockout wasn't allowed because it was an exhibition bout, and he detailed his performance on social media on Friday.
“Some say the fights should have been more aggressive, but each fight has its own dynamics,” Silva wrote in Portuguese. “I chose to enter the ring against an opponent who is very important in my history. I could have fought to win, but I wanted to do this as a tribute to our history. That's why I didn't win the belt.”
“I win in many ways in life,” he continued, “and being with you all that night was the biggest win of all. It was so nice to say goodbye to the ring in Brazil with so much love. I love you.”
The ceremonial belts were awarded at a bout in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, but neither fighter took home the belt.
Do not disappoint me. I am sure that my rating will meet your expectations. Yesterday my son was born, but he starred in the movie of my life…
Some guy was trying to make his car more aggressive, but he was trying to make his car more aggressive…
— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) June 21, 2024
Silva said after the Sonnen fight that he was in negotiations to compete in a professional boxing bout in Dubai later this year, but said he was not allowed to reveal the opponent.
The UFC Hall of Famer has won two of his three professional boxing bouts since leaving UFC in 2020, beating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Tito Ortiz before losing to Jake Paul and then fighting full rounds in exhibition boxing bouts against Sonnen and Bruno Azeredo.
