On December 28, 2013, UFC 168 featured two title fights and several notable fighters. After Ronda Rousey’s second women’s title win over Miesha Tate, the event closed with a middleweight title rematch between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman. Their bout, the seventh fight on the card at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, ended abruptly and in a disappointing manner for both the fighters and fans.
Earlier that year, in July 2013, Weidman had knocked out Silva, ending his legendary middleweight title reign and a 17-fight winning streak. Silva sought redemption in the rematch, but suffered a horrific injury just over a minute into the second round, breaking his left tibia and fibula during a kick. He immediately required surgery by UFC orthopedic surgeon Dr. Stephen Saunders. Remarkably, Silva’s first question before undergoing surgery was about when he could return to training. Silva made a comeback 13 months later, defeating Nick Diaz, although the win was later ruled a no-contest due to doping violations.
Despite turning 50, Silva shows no signs of retiring from combat sports. Following his knockout victory over Tyron Woodley on the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul undercard, Silva hinted at a possible boxing match against Weidman in 2026. However, he now faces another challenge as Yoel Romero, fresh off a wrestling win, called him out for a fight. Romero expressed his eagerness to face Silva, emphasizing his readiness for competition across multiple sports.
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans as it highlights Anderson Silva’s remarkable resilience and enduring appeal in combat sports, even after severe injury and advancing age. His potential matchups with top fighters like Weidman or Romero could bring exciting new chapters to martial arts, blending legacy and new rivalries that keep the sport vibrant and unpredictable.
