Jump to
Anderson Silva isn’t done with MMA competition. “The Spider,” who’s currently focused on a professional boxing career, recently spoke with Fight Hub TV and revealed plans of one final mixed martial arts bout. He even named his intended opponent and where he wants the fight to take place.
Anderson Silva wants final MMA fight in Japan
Before he dominated the UFC’s middleweight division for six straight years beginning in 2006, Anderson Silva was a fixture in the Japan MMA circuit. “The Spider” had two stints in PRIDE from 2002 to 2003 and had one more bout in 2004. He also competed under Shooto in 2001, where he fought Hayato Sakurai.
As he said in the interview, the 48-year-old Silva wants to run it back with Sakurai, whom he defeated via decision in their first meeting.
“I try to (have) my last fight in MMA in Japan. Because I started fighting in Japan. And that’s what I try to do. My last fight in Japan. My last MMA fight in Japan.
“I’m just waiting. Maybe Hayato Sakurai? Because Hayato Sakurai fought with me in Shooto and I think this is a good fight for us. We’ll see.”
Silva (34-11, 1 NC) retired from MMA competition after his TKO loss to Uriah Hall in 2020. He’d since competed in boxing twice, most recently against Jake Paul last October and lost via decision. Silva will join the UFC’s 2023 Hall of Fame class, alongside Jens Pulver, José Aldo, and Donald Cerrone.
Who is Hayato Sakurai?
Sakurai fought Anderson Silva when they were both in their mid-20s. Prior to his bout with Silva, he was on an 18-fight undefeated streak, having defeated the likes of UFC veterans Caol Uno and Frank Trigg.
A likewise decorated veteran, Sakurai, now 47, held stints in PRIDE and DREAM where he had notable wins over Jens Pulver, Mac Danzig, Phil Baroni and Shinya Aoki. He had one fight in the UFC where he faced Matt Hughes for the welterweight title at UFC 36 in 2002 and lost via fourth round TKO.
Sakurai (38-13-2) last fought in Rizin in 2016 against Wataru Sakata and won via second-round TKO.
About the author
