Two of MMA’s most iconic champions are stepping back into the spotlight, this time under boxing rules, on one of the biggest combat sports stages of the year.
Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley will meet in a six-round cruiserweight bout on the main card of Most Valuable Promotions’ “Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day” on December 19 in Miami, airing live worldwide on Netflix.
Woodley (19-7-1 MMA) steps in for the injured Chris Weidman, bringing with him two professional boxing bouts, both against Jake Paul, where he dropped a split decision in their first meeting before being knocked out in the rematch.
Silva (34-11 MMA) has stayed active in the boxing world since retiring from MMA in 2021. He scored a first-round knockout over Tito Ortiz in an exhibition bout, dropped a decision to Jake Paul, and most recently fought Chael Sonnen to a draw in Brazil.
The matchup was initially slated to revisit the storied rivalry between Weidman and Silva, who split two high-profile MMA bouts, both won by Weidman, but an injury forced the “The All American” out, opening the door for Woodley to step in.
“I believe that change always happens for a reason,” said Anderson Silva in the press release. “I am focused on doing a good job. Always respecting my opponent and showing total respect to the boxing world.”
Woodley, meanwhile, seized the chance to share the ring with a living legend in Silva.
“Rising to occasions like this are the moments where legends are born,” said Woodley.
Jake vs. Joshua: Judgement Day takes place on Dec. 19 in Miami, FL.
