Anderson Silva will still return to the boxing ring in Miami, but it won’t be against Chris Weidman.
Most Valuable Promotions announced Friday the former UFC middleweight champion is now facing former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley at the Paul vs. Joshua event on Dec. 19 in Miami. Woodley replaces Weidman, who was forced to withdraw due to injury.
The Silva vs. Woodley bout is set for six rounds in the cruiserweight division (195 pounds), and will open the main card on Netflix. Jake Paul faces
Anthony Joshua in the heavyweight main event.
“I believe that change always happens for a reason,” Silva said. “I am focused on doing a good job. Always respecting my opponent and showing total respect to the boxing world.”
“Rising to occasions like this are the moments where legends are born,” Woodley said about the booking.
Silva competes for the sixth time in the boxing ring since ending his iconic run in the UFC, which includes a decision loss to Paul, along with a victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Woodley hasn’t competed in over four years and back-to-back losses to Paul in 2021 — including a brutal knockout loss in the rematch in December 2021.
MVP also announced many of the other bouts slated for the Nov. 14 event, which was postponed to take place on the new date, including the unified featherweight title fight between Alycia Baumgardner and Leila Beaudoin.
“Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley is an iconic matchup, continuing to elevate Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day into one of the most scintillating combat sports events of the decade,” MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian said. “This is the gladiatorial sport spectacle of the 21st century. A main event that has engaged the entire world. Bringing back two of the MMA GOATS into the spotlight on a global stage, live on Netflix, reflects the magnitude of this card.
“Alycia Baumgardner making a (12, three-minute rounds) unified title defense in the co-main event and stepping up beside Amanda Serrano in the history books with this statement for equality, and a championship-stacked undercard featuring Cherneka Johnson, Yokasta Valle, and more, Friday, December 19 is poised to become one of the most unforgettable nights in boxing history.”
