Anderson Silva
About
'The Spider' — the longest-reigning UFC champion ever and, for years, the consensus greatest fighter alive.
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Anderson 'The Spider' Silva is one of the greatest and most influential fighters in MMA history. He held the UFC middleweight title from 2006 to 2013 — the longest reign in company history — with a record streak of title defenses and a highlight reel of surreal finishes, from the front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort to the hands-down dismantling of Forrest Griffin. For much of his career he was the consensus greatest fighter alive.
His reign ended dramatically in back-to-back losses to Chris Weidman, the second via a gruesome leg break, and he fought on for years afterward before moving into celebrity boxing, finishing 34-11 (1 NC). However the later chapters read, Silva's prime remains the most aesthetically dazzling striking the sport has ever produced.
Why fans love Silva
Breathtaking striking artistry, an aura of invincibility in his prime, and some of the most replayed finishes ever. He turned fighting into performance art.
