This past Saturday at Triller’s Boxing event, former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva (34-11, 1 NC) made his second appearance in the ring in 2021. Silva took on former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz (21-12-1) in boxing.
While this was Ortiz’s first boxing matchup, it was Silva’s second of the year. Just months ago, Silva took on former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in a matchup in Mexico.
Despite Silva’s credentials as a striker, not many were giving him a chance against Chavez. However, Silva shocked everyone and put on a clinic over their eight round matchup on his way to winning a decision.
Given Silva’s experience in striking, nobody was giving Tito Ortiz a shot on Saturday night. It was apparent from the opening seconds that there was not going to be a surprise in this matchup.
Ortiz was incredibly aggressive out of the gate and backed Silva against the ropes. Silva easily dodged Ortiz’s attacks and Ortiz’s punches were coming slow. Silva then exploded with a huge right hand and follow up shot that put Ortiz out cold and gave Silva his second boxing win of 2021.
What’s next for Silva in boxing?
It’s worth noting that all of the Triller fights were ruled as exhibitions so Silva’s win won’t count on his professional boxing record. Had it counted, Silva would have advanced to a 3-1 record with two knockouts.
His lone loss in boxing came back in 1998Â when he made his boxing debut. Silva has looked sensational through two fights and it has many people wondering who would be next for The Spider.
Well, there’s two opponents that are perfect for Silva. Those two opponents would be either Logan Paul (0-1) or Jake Paul (4-0). Both Paul brothers are around 190 pounds which puts them right around the same size as Silva.
There was actually some talk about a boxing match between Logan Paul and Silva following Paul’s exhibition with Floyd Mayweather, however, that fell through. Jake Paul just defeated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley a couple of weeks ago.
To me, Silva – Jake Paul is the fight to make. Paul is now a perfect 4-0 with a win over a former UFC champion. Silva would be a massive step up for him in competition, but I’m not sure if he’d take the fight. Instead, Paul seems to be focused on Tommy Fury and Jorge Masvidal.