Anderson Silva, born on April 14, 1975, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and boxer who has significantly impacted combat sports.
As a former UFC Middleweight Champion, Silva holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history, spanning 2,457 days. His impressive career and skills have earned him the nickname “The Spider.”
You can follow Anderson Silva’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more here.
Anderson Silva’s Biography
| Full name | Anderson da Silva |
| Nickname | The Spider |
| Birth date | April 14, 1975 |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (83.91 kg) |
| Birthplace | Sao Paolo, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Current net worth | $14 million |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Dayane |
| Instagram profile | @spiderandersonsilva |
Early Career
Anderson Silva’s early journey into martial arts was shaped by his modest upbringing in Brazil. Born on April 14, 1975, in São Paulo, Silva spent much of his childhood in Curitiba under the care of his aunt and uncle due to financial difficulties.
His fascination with martial arts began at a young age, inspired by watching neighborhood kids train and reading magazines about superheroes. Silva initially learned Taekwondo by observing others and later earned training opportunities by cleaning gyms, showcasing his determination to overcome obstacles.
By the age of 12, Silva formally started training in Taekwondo, which provided him with a strong foundation in discipline and kicking techniques. As a teenager, he expanded his skill set by learning Capoeira and Muay Thai, which honed his striking abilities and close-combat techniques. He also developed expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, eventually earning a black belt under the guidance of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Silva’s passion for martial arts was fueled by his resourcefulness and work ethic. For instance, he would linger around gyms to watch training sessions until instructors offered him opportunities to learn. His first Muay Thai trainer, Edmar, noticed Silva’s interest and invited him to train, further advancing his skills during high school.
These formative experiences laid the groundwork for Silva’s later success as one of the most versatile and innovative fighters in mixed martial arts history.
Professional Career
Anderson Silva’s professional career is one of the most remarkable in mixed martial arts history. He made his professional MMA debut on June 25, 1997, winning two fights on the same day. Despite an early setback in 2000, when he lost to Luiz Azeredo at Mecca 1 via unanimous decision, Silva rebounded with a nine-fight winning streak, showcasing his exceptional striking and submission skills.
During this period, he gained international recognition by defeating Hayato Sakurai in 2001 to become the Shooto Middleweight Champion, marking Sakurai’s first career loss.
Silva’s career reached new heights when he signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2006. He made an explosive debut at Ultimate Fight Night 5, defeating Chris Leben via TKO in just 49 seconds and earning his first “Knockout of the Night” award.
Shortly after, Silva faced Rich Franklin at UFC 64 and claimed the UFC Middleweight Championship with a dominant victory, utilizing his Muay Thai clinch to deliver devastating knee strikes. This marked the beginning of a historic reign.
From 2006 to 2013, Silva defended his title ten times and maintained a record-breaking title reign of 2,457 days—the longest in UFC history. During this period, he achieved a UFC record of 16 consecutive victories and became known for his fluid striking and unpredictable style.
Memorable performances included his iconic front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126, which earned him ESPN’s Knockout of the Year honors in 2011.
Silva’s dominance began to wane after losing his title to Chris Weidman at UFC 162 in 2013. Despite setbacks later in his career, Silva left an indelible mark on MMA with records such as most knockdowns in UFC title fights (10) and most finishes in title bouts (9).
After leaving the UFC in November 2020, Silva transitioned to professional boxing while continuing to inspire generations of fighters.
Wife
Anderson Silva’s wife, Dayane Silva, is a former Olympic gymnast from Brazil who represented her country in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.
Born on December 15, 1977, in Curitiba, Paraná, Dayane transitioned from her athletic career to becoming a social media influencer. She has supported Anderson throughout his journey in mixed martial arts, often staying out of the limelight while being his confidant and pillar of strength.
Dayane and Anderson Silva have been together for over three decades, dating back to their teenage years. After being in a relationship for 20 years, the couple officially tied the knot in 2017. Together, they have five children: three sons—Kalyl, Gabriel, and Joao—and two daughters—Kaory and Kauana. Their family life remains close-knit, with some of their children following in Anderson’s footsteps as professional athletes.
Anderson Silva’s Net Worth Details
Anderson Silva’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Event | Earnings |
|---|---|
| UFC Ultimate Fight Night 5 | $66,000 |
| UFC 64 | $80,000 |
| UFC 73 | $120,000 |
| UFC 82 | $200,000 |
| UFC 90 | $200,000 |
| UFC 97 | $200,000 |
| UFC 101 | $200,000 |
| UFC 112 | $200,000 |
| UFC 126 | $200,000 |
| UFC 134 | $200,000 |
| UFC 148 | $275,000 |
| UFC 153 | $200,000 |
| UFC 162 | $600,000 |
| UFC 168 | $800,000 |
| UFC 183 | $800,000 (includes $200,000 win bonus) |
| UFC Fight Night: Silva vs Bisping | $665,000 |
| UFC 208 | $820,000 |
| UFC 234 | $670,000 |
| UFC 237 | $620,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Hall vs Silva | $620,000 |
| Boxing vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. | $600,000–$1 million |
| Boxing vs. Tito Ortiz | 30% of Ortiz’s purse |
| Boxing vs. Jake Paul | $500,000 + PPV revenue |
- Anderson Silva’s total career earnings are estimated at approximately $13.5 million, excluding endorsements and bonuses.
- His highest single payday in MMA was $820,000 at UFC 208 against Derek Brunson.
- Silva earned significant amounts from boxing matches later in his career, with payouts ranging from $500,000 to over $1 million depending on PPV sales and opponent penalties.
Endorsements
Anderson Silva has enjoyed a lucrative career through various endorsement deals with globally recognized brands. Over the years, he partnered with major companies such as Nike, Burger King, and Reebok, leveraging his status as one of the greatest MMA fighters in history.
In 2011, Silva became the first client of 9INE, a sports marketing company co-owned by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo. That same year, he signed a sponsorship deal with Corinthians, his favorite Brazilian soccer team. These partnerships significantly boosted his profile and income.
Silva also collaborated with luxury brands like Hublot, endorsing their limited-edition “Hublot Spider” timepiece. In the fitness and combat sports industry, he worked with Adidas to co-design specialized MMA training gear, including the Adidas x Anderson Silva Co-Branded Thigh Pad.
These endorsements, along with others throughout his career, reportedly earned him around $1 million annually during his peak years. Silva’s marketability extended beyond sportswear and fast food into high-end products and innovative collaborations, solidifying his legacy both inside and outside the octagon.
Career Stats
MMA Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 46 |
| Wins | 34 |
| Losses | 11 |
| No Contests | 1 |
| Wins by Knockout (KO/TKO) | 23 |
| Wins by Submission | 3 |
| Wins by Decision | 8 |
| Title Defenses (UFC) | 10 |
| Longest Title Reign | 2,457 days |
Boxing Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Professional Fights | 5 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Wins by Knockout | 2 |
| Wins by Decision | 1 |
Muay Thai Career Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 1 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Losses | 0 |
| Win Method | Knockout (kicks and punches) |
FAQs
1. Who is Anderson Silva?
Anderson Silva is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and professional boxer, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion, holding the record for the longest title reign in UFC history at 2,457 days, including 16 consecutive wins.
2. What are Anderson Silva’s most notable achievements in MMA?
Silva’s achievements include 10 successful UFC Middleweight title defenses, the longest title reign in UFC history, and records for most knockouts and finishes in UFC title fights. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023 and is celebrated as one of the sport’s pioneers.
3. What is Anderson Silva’s fighting style?
Silva is known for his striking expertise, combining Muay Thai, boxing, and taekwondo with exceptional accuracy and counterstriking. He also has a strong ground game, having submitted elite grapplers like Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen during his career.
4. When did Anderson Silva debut in professional MMA?
Silva made his professional MMA debut in 1997 in Brazil. He gained prominence by becoming the Shooto Middleweight Champion in 2001 and later transitioned to the UFC in 2006, where he became a dominant champion.
5. What was Anderson Silva’s most iconic fight?
One of Silva’s most iconic moments was his front-kick knockout of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 in 2011. This victory earned him widespread acclaim and ESPN’s Knockout of the Year award, showcasing his unique striking ability.
6. Why is Anderson Silva called “The Spider”?
Silva earned the nickname “The Spider” due to his long limbs, agility, and ability to trap opponents with precision strikes and submissions, resembling a spider ensnaring its prey.
7. What happened during Anderson Silva’s fight against Chris Weidman?
Silva lost his middleweight title to Chris Weidman at UFC 162 in 2013 via knockout. In their rematch at UFC 168, Silva suffered a severe leg injury when Weidman checked a kick, leading to a long recovery period.
8. Did Anderson Silva compete outside of MMA?
Yes, Silva transitioned to professional boxing after leaving the UFC in 2020. He has also appeared in movies, written books on MMA techniques, and participated in various media projects, making him a crossover star.
9. What is Anderson Silva’s legacy in MMA?
Silva’s legacy includes revolutionizing striking techniques in MMA, setting numerous records, and inspiring future generations of fighters. His dominance during his prime solidified his status as one of the greatest athletes in combat sports history.
10. What personal challenges did Anderson Silva overcome?
Born into poverty in São Paulo, Brazil, Silva grew up with limited resources but found discipline through martial arts training. His journey from humble beginnings to global stardom exemplifies resilience and dedication to his craft.
