More than a dozen years removed from their last meeting inside the Octagon, former UFC middleweight world champion Anderson Silva and three-time title challenger Chael Sonnen delivered a long-awaited trilogy bout to fight fans inside the Komplexo Tempo in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Stepping into the squared circle for a five-round exhibition bout, Silva his third win in the sweet science after scoring victories over boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and another former UFC champion, Tito Ortiz.
Sonnen, 47, last competed under the Bellator MMA banner in 2019, suffering a second-round knockout loss to Lyoto Machida.
Round 1
Sonnen comes out putting on the pressure early and targeting Silva’s body. ‘The Spider’ fires back up top, but it’s clear that both fighters are just touching one another rather than firing anything with dangerous intent. Sonnen ties u with a minute to go in the round, prompting the referee to step in and separate them. Back in close, Silva lands a nice shot to the body as Sonnen continues to let his hands go, touching up Silva.
Silva’s head movement avoids another combination from Sonnen. ‘The American Gangster’ backs Silva to the corner and uncorks and uppercut. The round ends with both fighters standing in the center of the squared circle.
Round 2
Round two stars similarly with Sonnen looking to outstrike Silva without doing much in the way of damage. Silva lets a right hook go that glances off Sonnen’s face. Silva begins to pick up the pace, showing that he is clearly the superior striker to Sonnen’s more chaotic style. Sonnen ducks his way inside and clinches up against the fence once again. Sonnen eats a right hand followed by a left from Silva.
Silva pops Sonne’s head back with a stiff jab. Struggling to land on ‘The Spider,’ Sonnen clinches up and is content to let the round end without taking more damage.
Round 3
Sonnen comes out for round three looking a little worse for wear. Silva quickly goes back to the jab, piecing up Sonnen who continues to struggle with closing the distance. After chasing Silva around the ring, Sonnen ties up in the corner before separating. Sonnen clinches again and receives a warning from the referee.
Sonnen throws a couple of left hooks to the body but misses the mark in both instances. A brief tie-up in the corner is broken and Silva goes back to chipping away at his opponent. Sonnen responds by closing the distance and peppering the former UFC champion with a series of body shots up until the round ends.
Round 4
Silva stays light on his feet, dancing around the ring and having a little fun with Sonnen as the West Linn, Oregon native chases him around the squared circle looking to land. Through the first 60 seconds, it’s all Silva as the Brazilian continues to land at will.
With time winding down in the penultimate round, Sonnen goes down, but it is ruled a trip by the referee. Back on his feet, Sonnen trades shots with Silva in close until the bell sounds.
Round 5
Sonnen tries to find his way inside, but Silva is really feeling himself, popping his long-time foe with a series of stiff jabs and body blows. Silva is content to sit back, waiting for Sonnen to move in and initiate the action. Sonnen is happy to oblige but continues to pay for it, eating jabs.
With 42 seconds left on the clock, a doctor is brought in to check on Sonnen’s nose. The bout continues without issue and Silva spends the final seconds putting his world-class striking on display, landing at will until the final second ticks off the clock.
Official Result: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen is ruled a draw
Check Out Highlights From Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen at Spaten Fight Night in Brazil:
Avisa que é ele! Anderson Silva já chegou pra sua última luta. Histórico! 💚 #SpatenFightNight pic.twitter.com/vWiDtLH2zk
— gshow (@gshow) June 16, 2024
🥊 Chael Sonnen makes his way to the ring for his boxing debut against Anderson Silva 🔥#SpatenFightNight #Boxingpic.twitter.com/Su2lMzHBs2
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 16, 2024
Spaten Fight Night – Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen – Round 1 de 5#SpatenFightNight #AndersonSilva #ChaelSonnen #Boxe #Round1de5 #NoiteDeSábado #15DeJunho #JunhoDe2024 #16DeJunho #Ano2024 #OMelhorDe2024 #AndersonSilvaNoRingue #AndersonSilvaLutando #Spider #HistóriaDoCombate pic.twitter.com/qTG9s2Vgut
— Publicados Brasil (@publicados01) June 16, 2024
Down goes Chael Sonnen 😂#SpatenFightNight pic.twitter.com/fcLfrNlL1E
— Delinquent MMA (@DelinquentMMA) June 16, 2024
Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen go the distance#SpatenFightNight #Boxing
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 16, 2024
Brother Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen ended in a draw #SpatenFightNight pic.twitter.com/iOPmyWRrzF
— Delinquent MMA (@DelinquentMMA) June 16, 2024
