Anderson Silva has revealed the most challenging opponent he faced during his legendary MMA career.
‘The Spider’, a UFC Hall of Famer, is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters ever.
During his prime, Anderson Silva achieved a remarkable 17-fight win streak and defended his UFC middleweight title 10 times. He defeated notable fighters such as Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Dan Henderson, and Rich Franklin.
However, Silva states that none of these famous opponents were as tough as the fighter he encountered in his first title match.
Anderson Silva Names Hayato Sakurai as Toughest Opponent
In 2008, Anderson Silva competed against Hayato Sakurai for the Shooto Middleweight title in Osaka, Japan.
Sakurai, fighting in his hometown, had an impressive record of 18 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws before facing Silva. Silva won the fight by unanimous decision and went on to become the pound-for-pound king in the UFC.
Years later, Silva recalls the intense pressure and difficulty he experienced before and during the Sakurai fight.
“I think Hayato Sakurai because it was my first title belt,” Silva answered when boxing legend Andre Ward asked about his toughest MMA opponent.
“I was very scared because in Japan, they put me in a dark room with only a TV showing highlights of Hayato Sakurai beating many people. I was just thinking, ‘Wow! This guy is incredible’.”
“But it was also helpful because I could study him and see his strengths.”
“At that time, Sakurai had defeated five Brazilian fighters, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, I might be in trouble’.”
“Hayato Sakurai was my first major challenge and a very big name opponent. While I fought legends like Dan Henderson and Carlos Newton later, my first title fight against Sakurai was especially significant.”
Will Anderson Silva Fight Again?
Anderson Silva’s UFC career ended after a TKO loss to Uriah Hall in October 2020.
In his last nine UFC fights, Silva only secured one victory.
However, at 49, he has transitioned to a successful boxing career.
Silva achieved notable boxing wins against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Tito Ortiz and went the distance with Jake Paul in October 2022.
Fans can anticipate seeing more of Silva in action based on his recent comments about his fighting future.
“Never,” he replied when asked about retirement. “I train every day. Physical training daily, Jiu-Jitsu twice a week, and recently boxing and Muay Thai as well.”
“Like special forces in the Army, I am ready. I just need a few things: the location, an opponent, and the weight class. I train constantly… I am not done fighting.”
