Silva knocks out Woodley in boxing; seeks rematch with Weidman

Anderson Silva Shows His Class Against Tyron Woodley on Boxing Night

In a clash between former UFC champions, Anderson Silva secured a second-round TKO victory over Tyron Woodley in a six-round cruiserweight bout. The event took place at the Kaseya Center, as part of the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua undercard. Silva, 50, connected a devastating uppercut in the second round, sending Woodley to the canvas with a series of blows. Although Woodley got up, his body language indicated that he couldn’t go on, which led to his corner throwing in the towel at 1:33.

I just tried to take my time and use my distance. I was lucky.

Anderson Silva

Silva, who held the UFC title for 2,457 days, dedicated himself to boxing full-time in 2021. After leaving the UFC, the Brazilian defeated Julio César Chávez Jr. and knocked out Tito Ortiz in 2021, although he lost by unanimous decision to Jake Paul in 2022. Originally, Silva was going to fight Chris Weidman, who ended his reign in the UFC. However, an injury forced Weidman to withdraw, and Woodley replaced him at the last minute. Woodley, former UFC welterweight champion, faced Paul twice, losing a split decision in August 2021 and being knocked out in the rematch four months later.

Woodley was no match for Silva, who took advantage of his height advantage. Silva patiently waited for Woodley to attack, but in the second round, Silva closed the distance and connected with the uppercut that shook him. Silva continued with combinations until Woodley fell to the canvas. After the fight, Silva revealed that he plans to be a police officer in Beverly Hills, California, where he currently resides, but that he has not finished his boxing career. He expressed his desire to fight Chris Weidman again.

Chris, I know you injured your arm, and I’m waiting. I’m waiting for you to get better. We are going to show how former UFC fighters can do a good job in boxing and respect the boxing community. I’m waiting for you.

Anderson Silva

In the co-stellar event, the unified junior lightweight champion, Alycia Baumgardner, won by unanimous decision over Leila Beaudoin. The judges scored the fight 117-110 and 118-109 in favor of the champion. Baumgardner, who recently signed with Most Valuable Promotions, demonstrated great skill and physical condition, surpassing her opponent. Beaudoin avoided Baumgardner’s punches, but in the seventh round, the champion managed to land a blow that sent Beaudoin to the canvas. Despite being at a disadvantage, Beaudoin reacted in the eleventh round, but Baumgardner held firm and in the last round, connected combinations to seal her victory.