The UFC Hall of Fame class of 2023 just got a lot more prestigious.
Former middleweight champion Anderson Silva, shortlisted for the greatest fighter of all time in MMA history, announced his name during Saturday’s UFC 286 pay-per-view in London. The Spider will be inducted into the pioneer wing and join previously announced contemporaries Jose Aldo and Jens Pulver at the 2023 UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which takes place July 3-9 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
“Anderson Silva is one of the greatest athletes of all time,” said UFC President Dana White. “Anderson’s 16-fight UFC winning streak, 10 successful title defenses, and almost seven years as a middleweight champion has been one of the most remarkable things we’ve ever seen in professional sports. I would be honored to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”
Cementing a legacy as one of the best who ever did it! 🕷️
Congratulate @SpiderAnderson as he becomes a new addition to the UFC Hall of Fame 🙌
[ B2YB @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/0KyXQBsN0C
— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2023
Silva (34-11, 1 NC) made a sensational UFC debut in 2006 when he knocked out Chris Leben in just 49 seconds. One fight later, he scored the first of two finishes against middleweight legend Rich Franklin to win the 185-pound belt and made a then-record 10 title defenses before losing the crown to Chris Weidman in 2013.
The São Paulo, Brazil native remained relevant and dangerous even into his 40s in one of the most celebrated and decorated careers in martial arts history, which included such iconic moments as his knockout of Vitor Belfort with a frontal punch in 2011, his dramatic fifth victory. a round submission submission by Chael Sonnen in 2010 and a virtuoso knockout of former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin in 2009.
Silva remains a mainstay in the UFC record book, holding promotional records of longest winning streak (16), longest title reign (2,457 days), most middleweight knockdowns (13) and tied for most knockouts at 185 pounds (8) .
Turning pro in 1997, Silva won 17 of his first 21 fights and built a worldwide reputation as a dangerous striker under the Pride, Shooto and Cage Rage banners before signing with the UFC. At his peak, Silva won 17 fights in a row from 2006 to 2012, including 13 knockouts and two submission victories.
Source: www.cbssports.com
