2016 was the year that two video game-like MMA styles were supposed to come together in what many fans got behind as “dream match-up” stylistically. Unfortunately, the MMA gods didn’t have Anderson Silva vs. Uriah Hall in the cards for us, as Silva fell ill before their fight at UFC 198, ultimately placing Silva vs. Hall in the archives of “fights that could have been.”
BUT, fast forward four years later, and the powers that be were in a different mood. Apparently, they felt that October 31, 2020 was a fitting time to give Anderson Silva vs. Uriah Hall to the people. With the bout potentially being Silva’s last fight, it was an amazing treat on Halloween night — one that would close the book on a legendary career, and provide closure on that “what if” fight fans had been debating since 2016.
With a slow start in the first round, it took some time for Anderson Silva and Uriah Hall to finally find their groove. Silva looked good early. The third round is where Hall finally cracked the legend, dropping him before Silva was saved by the bell. The legacy that is Anderson Silva was finished shortly after, with Uriah Hall dropping him early in the forth. Herb Dean stepped in as he had seen enough, and waved off the fight, giving Hall the TKO victory over the man he had looked up to as he rose through the ranks of the UFC.
Check below to see how the pros reacted to the Halloween main event between Anderson Silva vs. Uriah Hall.
Wow, Thank you Anderson, we love you
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 1, 2020
Thank you for all you done @SpiderAnderson 🇧🇷🏆👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Arianelipski (@Ariane_lipski) November 1, 2020
The final walk! That should be the name of Anderson Silva’s story! What an emotional moment for Hall and especially Silva. I don’t know if words can even describe the thoughts and what Silva felt pre and post-fight. Anderson “The Spider Silva”- Forever a legend!#Vegas12
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) November 1, 2020
True example of a martial artist. Always respectfull and skill that will never be forgotten. @SpiderAnderson absolute legend!! 🙏
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) November 1, 2020
You have respect a 45 year old man , getting himself in shape , making weight and competing with younger / some of the best athletes in the world! Thanks for everything legend Anderson Silva, single handily carrying our sport! #UFC
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 1, 2020
Legend 🕷️ #UFCVegas12
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) November 1, 2020
MMA is depressing sometimes #UFCVegas12 pic.twitter.com/Cz3DIsUlV4
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) November 1, 2020
You must learn from greatness #spidersilva🕷 pic.twitter.com/7vNkSdFrAp
— Jamahal Sweet Dreams Hill (@JamahalH) November 1, 2020
Great moment there 🙏🙏🙏
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) November 1, 2020
Damn Uriah why you have to do this to us
— Ricky Simón (@RickySimonUFC) November 1, 2020
Man, tonight I watched the guy who got me in the sport of mma, compete his last time in the UFC octagon. This is a very surreal feeling knowing an era is closed.. #UFCVegas12
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) November 1, 2020
My first and only “hero” in mma. Walkout was epic and my nerves were bad…he does it to me every time. Legend https://t.co/nGktnDn4Xk
— Mick Maynard (@Mickmaynard2) November 1, 2020
Anderson gave us some of the most brilliant performances we have ever seen in the octagon. He inspired many other martial artists and showed fans and fighters what is possible in a #mma fight. His 10 title defenses and 16 fight win streak make him one of the 🐐’s.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) November 1, 2020
