So, you’re looking for the last Anderson Silva fight. It’s actually a bit of a trick question depending on who you ask, because the man refuses to age like a normal human being. If you were watching the UFC back in the day, you probably remember that heartbreaking night in 2020. But honestly, that wasn't the end of the story for "The Spider."
The Final Octagon Appearance: Silva vs. Hall
Let's talk about the big one first. On October 31, 2020, Anderson Silva stepped into the Octagon for what the UFC billed as his final ride. It was UFC Fight Night: Hall vs. Silva at the Apex in Las Vegas.
The vibe was weird. No fans, just the echo of kicks hitting skin. For three rounds, it was a chess match. Silva looked sharp—maybe not "prime 2009 Silva" sharp, but he was moving, feinting, and making Uriah Hall look hesitant. Hall actually idolized Silva, which made the whole thing feel like a son being forced to fight his father.
Then came the fourth round. Silva lunged in, Hall caught him with a right hand, and that was basically it. Ground and pound followed, and referee Herb Dean waved it off at 1:24. The post-fight scene? Pure emotion. Both guys were crying on the canvas, bowing to each other. Hall literally apologized for winning.
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Why the UFC Exit Was Messy
Dana White wasn't exactly sentimental about it. After the fight, the UFC boss basically said Silva shouldn't have been in there and that he’d never let him fight in the UFC again. It felt a bit cold for a guy who carried the promotion on his back for nearly a decade. Silva still had one fight left on his contract, but they mutually agreed to part ways shortly after.
The Pivot to the Ring: Jake Paul and Beyond
If you thought he was going to just go home and play with his dogs, you don't know Anderson. He hopped right into the boxing ring. He beat Julio César Chávez Jr. in 2021—which was a massive upset, by the way—and then starched Tito Ortiz.
But the last Anderson Silva fight that really captured the world's attention was against Jake Paul on October 29, 2022.
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It was an eight-round cruiserweight scrap in Glendale, Arizona. Silva was 47 years old. Forty-seven! Most people that age are worried about their cholesterol, but Silva was trading leather with a guy half his age.
- The Result: Jake Paul won via Unanimous Decision ($77-74$, $78-73$, $78-73$).
- The Moment: In the eighth round, Paul landed a big right hand that actually dropped Silva.
- The Reaction: Even though he lost, Silva looked incredible. He was elusive, he clowned around, and he proved that his reflexes hadn't totally evaporated.
Wait, Is He Still Fighting in 2026?
Here is where it gets interesting for fans following him right now. As of early 2026, Silva has been doing some exhibition work. He recently took a "tribute" fight against Tyron Woodley in a boxing ring, which ended up being more of a technical showcase than a brawl.
People keep asking when he’s going to hang it up for good. Silva has mentioned in multiple interviews that his "goal" is to stop by the time he’s 49 or 50. He turns 51 in April of 2026, so we are right at the edge of the cliff. He’s transitioned more into a mentor role lately, but the itch to compete is clearly still there.
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What Most People Get Wrong About His Legacy
A lot of newer fans see the last Anderson Silva fight results—the losses to Hall and Paul—and think he stayed too long. Maybe he did. But you have to look at the numbers to understand the "Spider" mythos:
- 2,457 Days: That’s how long he held the UFC Middleweight title. It’s still the record.
- 16 Straight Wins: A streak that seemed unbreakable until Jon Jones came along.
- The Matrix Factor: He didn't just win; he made world-class fighters look like they were moving in slow motion (just go re-watch the Forrest Griffin fight if you need a reminder).
The losses at the end don't erase the fact that he redefined what striking looked like in MMA. He brought a level of fluidity and "steeze" that nobody has quite replicated since.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re trying to keep up with what Silva is doing next or want to relive the magic, here’s the play:
- Watch the Hall Fight for Closure: If you want to see his MMA farewell, it’s on UFC Fight Pass. It’s a tough watch if you’re a fan, but it’s an essential part of the story.
- Check Out the Chávez Jr. Boxing Match: This is actually his best performance post-UFC. He outboxed a former world champion boxer in his own sport. It’s clinical.
- Follow the "Spider" Academy: Silva is heavily involved in training the next generation now. If you’re looking for his current "fighting" fix, watching his sons (like Kalyl Silva) compete is where the torch is being passed.
The last Anderson Silva fight wasn't just a sporting event; it was the slow fading of a legendary era. Whether he laces them up one more time for a "legend" exhibition or finally calls it quits, his place in the Hall of Fame (which he was inducted into in 2023) is more than secure. You just can’t kill the Spider’s legacy with a few late-career losses.