Five years ago today, one of MMA’s greatest careers came to a close when Anderson Silva fought for the final time in the UFC.
Silva, who reigned as middleweight champion for a record 2,457 days between 2006 and 2013, faced Uriah Hall on October 31, 2020, inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Hall, whose flashy striking was inspired by Silva himself, stopped his idol via fourth-round knockout.
Overcome with emotion, Hall broke down in tears immediately after the fight, apologizing to Silva and telling him he loved him. The moment symbolized a respectful passing of the torch between two creative strikers.
Following his defeat, Silva hinted that it was his final MMA fight, officially parting ways with the UFC shortly afterward.
Five years later, Hall has embarked on a new journey. After several boxing bouts since leaving the UFC in 2022, the former middleweight contender makes his Karate Combat debut today at KC 57 in Miami, facing Brazil’s Markus Perez in the co-main event.
