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Yes, former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva boxed before dominating the MMA circuit. By the time 'The Spider' made his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night 5 in 2006, he had already boxed twice as a pro.
The UFC legend made his pro-boxing debut against Osmar Luiz Teixeira in May 1998. He lost the fight to the more experienced boxer via first-round corner stoppage. This is the only defeat Silva has suffered in his boxing career so far.
The Brazilian boxed once more in 2005 against Julio Cesar De Jesus before making his UFC debut. This time, however, Silva triumphed over the then-debutant Jesus with a knockout.
Watch the full fight below:
Silva would then go on to dominate the MMA realm for years before retiring from the sport in 2021. 'The Spider' still holds the record for the longest win streak in UFC with 16 back-to-back victories to his name.
Since retiring from MMA, the 37-year-old has readjusted his sights towards boxing. The fighter's biggest win inside the squared circle came in June 2021 when he edged past former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr via split decision.
Watch Silva triumph over the former world champion boxer below:
Who was Anderson Silva's last boxing opponent?
Silva's last boxing opponent was fellow UFC legend Tito Ortiz. In their September 2021 fight at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida, Silva picked up an emphatic KO win in the very first round.
A vicious right and left hook combo from 'The Spider' put the former UFC light-heavyweight champion to sleep. Anderson Silva currently holds a pro-boxing record of 3 wins against 1 loss.
Watch the full Anderson Silva vs. Tito Ortiz fight below:
In his next outing, the Brazilian is scheduled to take on YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
With victories over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and former Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren, 'The Problem Child' will be looking to defeat yet another combat sports legend this weekend. The Paul vs. Silva bout is scheduled to take place on October 29 the at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
