Anderson Silva Makes Triumphant Return to Ring for Chael Sonnen Trilogy in Brazil, Looking “15 Years Younger
MMA icon Anderson Silva is getting back in the ring one last time, and he’s in peak shape to face his greatest rival.
The legendary former UFC middleweight champion is having his final fight in his home nation of Brazil, and bringing along Chael Sonnen for a long-awaited trilogy. The pair will compete on June 15 at a catchweight of 216lb, with the American making his boxing debut in the five-round exhibition.
Sonnen has promised to arrive in terrific shape, but hasn’t fought since retiring on a two-fight skid in 2019. Meanwhile, Silva spent the three years between 2020 and 2023 fairly active before taking a two-year break from competition when he lost to Jake Paul.
Anderson Silva’s coach reveals impressive shape ahead of Chael Sonnen fight
The legendary duo are 49 and 47 respectively, and will only compete for two minute rounds during their exhibition bout. Sonnen has been noticeably improving his physique in recent TV appearances, while Silva has stayed training with his sons Gabriel and Kalyl, the latter of whom features on the undercard.
And speaking with MMAFighting, Silva’s coach Luiz Dorea detailed how he is looking like a man in his prime despite his advanced age. “His condition is above normal,” the coach explained. “His age doesn’t reflect the reality.
“He’s 49 but looks 10, 15 years younger. The way he moves, his notion of time and distance and how fast he learns, his reflexes. You’ll see that on June 15. I always say the knockout is the consequence of good hands that connect.
“And Anderson is ready to connect and go for the knockout. I believe Sonnen is taking care of himself, because Anderson is coming in his best shape and motivated to fight in Brazil.”
Despite the fact the fight is an exhibition, Silva is training as if it were a full pro bout with Dorea adding: “Anderson always respects all of his opponents. He’s a boxer now. He was doing boxing for MMA, with kicks and takedowns.
“But we’ve been working on pure boxing for the past four or five years so he’s a complete professional now. He’s a heavyweight that moves like a lightweight, basically. That’s rare, brother.”
Anderson Silva’s coach brand Chael Sonnen ‘a complete athlete’ ahead of trilogy
The first two meetings between Silva and Sonnen went the way of the Brazilian, who landed submission and knockout victories after being dominated early in both outings. The American is renowned as a wrestler, but actually dropped his rival on the feet in their first fight.
And despite never having boxed, there have been times when Sonnen has shown off decent hands in the cage. Dorea claims he is a well-rounded individual when it comes to combat, and one they are taking very seriously.
“He’s a MMA athlete so he’s a complete athlete,” he said. “He’s experienced. Even though his background isn’t boxing, he can throw punches and defend himself, has good timing and distance and experience, so we can’t underestimate him.
“Sonnen deserves respect for everything he’s done in the sport, and Anderson is very professional in how he’s approaching this match, because he wants to deliver a big show for the fans.”
