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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Simon Samano and Abbey Subhan

Anderson Silva in one word: What fighters think of the UFC legend

Saturday night could be the last time we see Anderson Silva inside the octagon when he headlines UFC on ESPN+ 39 against Uriah Hall at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

One thing’s for sure: If this truly is the end for the former longtime middleweight champion, it’s been one helluva ride.

The numbers speak for themselves: 2,457 consecutive days as champion (a UFC record); 16 consecutive wins (also a UFC record); 11 knockouts (tied for second most in UFC history); 10 consecutive title defenses (second most in UFC history); and countless others.

And he did it with flair.

Whether it’s the front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort, entering “The Matrix” against Forrest Griffin, the last-minute comeback of Chael Sonnen, or any other number of unforgettable moments, everyone has a favorite Silva memory.

That’s why ahead of what could be the 45-year-old Silva’s retirement bout, we asked fighters from multiple promotions to describe “The Spider” in one word. Their answers reveal just how amazing his career was.

Watch the video above.

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