The record of the UFC’s Corridor-of-Fame inductees for 2023 is getting extra noteworthy, to say the least. As introduced throughout Saturday’s UFC 286 broadcast in London, becoming a member of this yr’s class is former long-time middleweight champion, Anderson Silva.
After some stints in outdoors promotions together with PRIDE, “The Spider” ascended to superstardom shortly after his UFC debut in 2006. After defeating TUF alum Chris Leben that night time, he was instantly granted a title shot towards Wealthy Franklin, whom he defeated twice in brutal style.
Silva received the 185-pound title after defeating Franklin and went on to have an extremely lengthy reign as champion, defending his belt for seven straight years. He ultimately misplaced the belt in 2013 to Chris Weidman and by no means obtained to win it again.
Accomplishments apart, Silva was additionally embroiled in separate PED controversies in 2015 and 2017. The previous was because of anabolic steroids, whereas the latter, USADA says, was solely because of tainted dietary supplements. For some, these infractions may’ve tarnished his already legendary legacy on the time.
“You fail a drug take a look at, your entire profession is in query, for my part. And he failed them now twice. So positively it tarnishes his legacy,” mentioned Weidman in a 2018 interview.
However failed drug exams however, many within the MMA group nonetheless imagine that Silva is deserving of such an accolade.
Congratulations OG and thanks for sharing your greatness with us!!! Completely the GOAT and one of many best inspirations in mma historical past!!! @SpiderAnderson #HOF
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) March 18, 2023
Anderson Silva will likely be inducted into the UFC Corridor of Fame.
If anybody was a stone chilly lock for enshrinement, it was The Spider.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 18, 2023
Silva’s final UFC look occurred in 2020 towards Uriah Corridor, to whom he misplaced through fourth-round TKO. His MMA file at present stands at 34-11 (with 1 NC) and has additionally picked up high quality wins in boxing, together with a victory over former champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He joins fellow former champions José Aldo and Jens Pulver within the induction ceremony this July.
Concerning the creator: Milan Ordoñez has been masking fight sports activities since 2012 and has been a part of the Bloody Elbow workers since 2016. He’s additionally competed in beginner combined martial arts and submission grappling tournaments. (full bio)
