45-year-old legend Anderson Silva entered a UFC octagon for the final time on Saturday night to take on middleweight contender Uriah Hall in Las Vegas, and after Hall won via a fourth-round TKO, fighters from around the sport paid tribute to one of the all-time greats.
Silva is a UFC icon, and dominated the middleweight division for a six-year span. He holds the record for the longest UFC title reign, but has struggled since dropping his title to Chris Weidman back in 2013, with four losses in his last five fights entering Saturday’s main event.
After earning the finish in the fourth round, Hall paid tribute to one of his heroes, telling Silva that he loves him, and that he’s sorry for the result.
"I love you… I'm so sorry."
🇯🇲 @UriahHallMMA & 🇧🇷 @SpiderAnderson embrace after the conclusion of #UFCVegas12. pic.twitter.com/ZYfBtavxMu
— UFC (@ufc) November 1, 2020
Other UFC fighters honored Silva on Twitter.
Wow, Thank you Anderson, we love you
— BONY (@JonnyBones) 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
I do the same entrance because of him! My idol! @SpiderAnderson 💙💙💙 https://t.co/8en7ERYurs
— Walt Harris (@thebigticket205) November 1, 2020
Thank you for every second of your magic @SpiderAnderson! 👏
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) 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
Thank you @SpiderAnderson for all the incredible moments pic.twitter.com/owzBesZQC2
— danawhite (@danawhite) November 1, 2020
