One of the biggest rivalries in mixed martial arts history will resume next month.
Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva I will face Chael Sonnen in a June 15 boxing match in Brazil, the Spaten Fight Night promotion announced Sunday. Silva, 49, had teased the finale of his career earlier this week, claiming his final fight would be next month in his hometown of Sao Paulo.
Sonnen, 47, confirmed his participation via social media.
“Oh Anderson, wow,” Sonnen said. “It’s me again. See you June 15th.”
Silva (34-11) and Sonnen (30-17-1) produced one of the most memorable two-fight rivalries in UFC history. Silva was in the midst of a 16-fight UFC winning streak when he met Sonnen in 2010. The outspoken title contender from West Linn, Oregon was a huge underdog going into their first meeting at UFC 117.
Sonnen shocked the world for 23 minutes of that fight, dominating Silva with takedowns and ground and pound before Silva secured a late triangle choke from his back. The UFC is set to induct this fight into its Hall of Fame at the end of June.
They met again two years later at UFC 148 in a blockbuster rematch in Las Vegas. Silva knocked Sonnen out with a knee to the chest after Sonnen lost his balance by throwing a spinning backfist.
Silva retired from the UFC in 2020, but has since fought professionally four times. He is 2-1-1 in the ring, with his only loss coming to Jake Paul by decision in 2022. Sonnen retired from MMA in 2019 after five appearances in Bellator MMA. The former collegiate wrestler has never boxed professionally.
Silva was widely regarded as the greatest fighter of all time until 2010, but Sonnen’s ability to promote their rivalry with his trash talk about the Brazilian legend helped him become a star.