Anderson Silva in UFC Hall of Fame: Here's everything about the newest inductee's MMA legacy

Mixed martial arts icon and former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will take his rightful place in the UFC Hall of Fame amongst the Class of 2023.

The Brazilian fought on his local circuit and also at Pride FC in Japan before winning the middleweight championship at the Cage Rage Championships and defending it a couple of times.

In 2006, Silva made his heavily-anticipated UFC debut against Chris Leben at UFC Fight Night 5. Silva's very next fight was a middleweight championship fight against Rich Franklin, which he won via a first-round knockout.

'The Spider' went on to string the longest winning streak in UFC history as he won 16 straight and defended his title a record 10 times across 2457 days. Silva marked the longest title reign in the promotion with multiple significant wins over future Hall of Famers.

Anderson Silva's front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort in the very first round was one for the highlight reel and was sandwiched between two finishes against American welterweight Chael Sonnen. He also inflicted Stephen Bonnar's first knockout loss at UFC 153.

Silva's first two losses in the UFC came in 2013 against Chris Weidman both times, the second resulting in a horrific injury that kept him out for two years. Silva's return to the octagon had mixed results and the farewell tour saw a memorable fight against Israel Adesanya in a symbolic passing of the torch.

Silva will join Jens Pulver and Jose Aldo amongst the Class of 2023 inductees and will be inducted at the 11th Annual UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

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Mixed martial arts world reacts to Anderson Silva's Hall of Fame induction

The mixed martial arts world offered their compliments after a deserving Hall of Fame induction for Anderson Silva.

Former double champion Henry Cejudo said:

"One of the most beautiful fighters to watch in combat sports history. Pure art. Pure class @SpiderAnderson"

B.J. Penn said:

"My favorite fighter! Congrats @SpiderAnderson"

UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill wrote:

"Congratulations OG and thank you for sharing your greatness with us!!! Absolutely the GOAT and one of the greatest inspirations in mma history!!!"

UFC president Dana White also thanked Anderson Silva for his tireless contribution to the sport and the promotion.

“Anderson Silva is one of the greatest athletes of all time. Anderson’s 16-fight winning streak in the UFC, 10 successful title defenses and almost seven years as middleweight champion were one of the most remarkable things we’ve ever seen in professional sports. He was an absolute artist inside the Octagon, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”