One of the greatest rivalries in mixed martial arts history is set to recommence next month.
Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will face Chael Sonnen in a highly anticipated boxing match on June 15 in Brazil, as announced by the Spaten Fight Night promotion on Sunday.
Silva, 49, hinted earlier this week that his career finale would take place next month in his birthplace of Sao Paulo.
Sonnen, 47, confirmed his participation through social media.
“Oh Anderson, yoohoo,” Sonnen said.
“It’s me again. See you June 15.”
Silva (34-11) and Sonnen (30-17-1) are known for one of the most memorable two-fight rivalries in UFC history.
Silva was on a UFC-record 16 consecutive wins when he faced Sonnen for the first time in 2010. The outspoken challenger from West Linn, Oregon, entered their first meeting at UFC 117 as a massive underdog.
Sonnen shocked the world for 23 minutes in that fight, dominating Silva with takedowns and ground-and-pound before Silva secured a late triangle choke from his back.
This fight is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in late June.
The two met again in a blockbuster rematch at UFC 148 in Las Vegas in 2012. Silva knocked out Sonnen with a knee to the chest after Sonnen lost balance throwing a spinning backfist.
Silva retired from the UFC in 2020 but has since competed in professional boxing four times, boasting a 2-1-1 record, with his only loss coming via decision to Jake Paul in 2022.
Sonnen retired from MMA in 2019 after competing in Bellator MMA. Despite his extensive MMA career, Sonnen has never boxed professionally.
By 2010, Silva was widely considered the greatest fighter of all time, but Sonnen’s trash talk and ability to promote their rivalry elevated him to stardom, cementing their place in MMA history.
The upcoming boxing match promises to reignite this legendary rivalry for one final bout.
