Anderson Silva, also known as “The Spider,” is one of the most enigmatic figures in MMA history. Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Silva started training in taekwondo, capoeira, and Muay Thai as a child before eventually studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Silva made his UFC debut in 2006 and quickly ascended to the middleweight championship. His reign, which lasted for seven years, is the longest in UFC history. Silva’s striking, known for its precision and unpredictability, dismantled challengers with ease. His front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort and his triangle choke submission of Chael Sonnen remain iconic moments in MMA.
Although his career was marred by a gruesome leg injury and later performances that didn’t match his prime, Silva’s impact on the sport is undeniable. His matrix-like movement and knockout power made him a fan favorite and a legend in the world of MMA.