Anderson Silva looks set to have one final fight and it will be taking place in Japan. The 48 year old has not competed in MMA since 2020 but is set to make what will surely be his last comeback.
According to Fighters Only he confirmed to Brazilian media that he was negotiating an MMA fight with a Japanese promotion:
We have a proposal and we are negotiating with Japan. There will definitely be something cool for the fans, I can’t give spoilers. But what we are actually negotiating in relation to MMA is my last fight in Japan.
Retirement fight
Like many of the current crop of MMA stars reaching the age of retirement Anderson Silva has a special place in his heart for Japan. He is a former Shooto middleweight champion who also fought on some of the Pride cards.
Silva took the UFC by storm winning his first 26 fights in the octagon and becoming the middleweight champion. Last year the Brazilian told Ariel Helwani that he would like his final fight to take place in Japan,
Oh, you know, when I stopped (fighting) in the UFC, I talked to Japan about doing my last fight there. Because it completely makes sense, because I (started) my professional career in Japan.
First belt
Silva didn’t actually make his pro debut in Japan but he definitely made his name there. In 2001 he beat Hayato Sakurai to claim the Shooto middleweight belt, his first ever title.
It would not be the last. Silva’s performances in Japan caught the eye of the UFC matchmakers and the Brazilian would go on to win his first 16 fights in the octagon, capturing the middleweight title in the process.
Silva had three losses to Japanese fighters on his record when he was signed by the UFC. His title winning run in the octagon would massively enhance the reputation of the four men who had already beaten him.
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Celebrity boxing
Silva’s UFC career came to an ignominious end as he was released after losing seven out of his last eight fights. But the veteran has enjoyed success on the celebrity boxing circuit beating the likes of Tito Ortiz and Julio Chavez Jnr.
Silva dropped a decision to Jake Paul last October in his most recent outing. The Brazilian was paid at least $500,000 USD for that fight putting him well beyond the reach of most Japanese promotions.
But Rizin has already been able to book Floyd Mayweather for two fights and is probably the only promotion in Japan that could meet Silva’s financial demands. Nothing has been signed but it sounds like the Brazilian legend’s final MMA fight is about to be confirmed.
