Fans aren’t particularly excited about seeing two icons meet for the second time in their legendary careers.
MMA fans have seen some of the biggest stars in the sport make the switch to boxing over the past few years.
In recent times, the likes of Molly McCann have switched career paths while Holly Holm successfully returned to the ring after parting ways with the UFC.
One of the most notable examples is Nate Diaz, who is currently targeting big names in both sports as he looks to plan out his next career move, having last competed in a boxing match with his former UFC rival, Jorge Masvidal.
However, Diaz and Masvidal aren’t the only former opponents who have shared the Octagon and the ring with each other, with two more big names looking to do the same in the coming months.
Spaten Fight Night books Vitor Belfort vs Wanderlei Silva in a boxing rematch for September 27
Last year, Spaten Fight Night brought former UFC rivals Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen together for an exhibition boxing match that served as one final chapter in their iconic feud.
The promotion is seemingly looking to replicate this formula with their next event which is set take place in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 27.
MMA Fighting confirmed that former UFC opponents Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva have agreed to face each other in a boxing match now that both men are in the UFC Hall of Fame.
The Brazilian icons previously met at the UFC’s first event in Brazil in October of 1998 where Belfort produced one of his career highlights by becoming the first person to knock Silva out, ending the fight in just 44 seconds.
Neither man has competed in several years, with Silva recently getting a concerned reaction from the fans when he was initially announced for the GFL draft, having not fought since 2018.
Belfort, on the other hand, has earned two boxing victories over Evander Holyfield and Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza since his final UFC fight also took place in 2018.
They were previously expected to compete in a rematch during their time in the UFC after being rival coaches on ‘The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil’.
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Fans would rather Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort walked away from competition at this stage in their careers
While a boxing rematch between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen may have had some novelty surrounding it, fans made their thoughts on Wanderlei Silva and Vitor Belfort’s boxing match pretty clear in the replies to MMA Fighting’s post.
Both Belfort and Silva achieved incredible things in their careers, but it doesn’t seem like there’s much interest in this matchup, even if it will certainly get people talking, especially in Brazil.
‘Wanderlei is a top 10 favorite fighter ever for me, but he needs to call it a day for good.’
‘Why, they must have enough money. Why continue to damage your brain. For what?’
‘Legends can’t wait to see one of them get knocked out!!!’
’27 years later and they FINALLY rematch, but in boxing and wayyyy past their prime.’
‘Uncs just can’t hang it up. Nearly 50 still throwing down.’
‘Enough of old guys fighting BS. Whoever pays for this is a sucker.’