Erick Silva, widely recognized in the MMA world as “The Tiger,” remains a compelling figure in combat sports history even years after his prime in the UFC welterweight division.
Known for his explosive striking and aggressive grappling, the Brazilian fighter carved out a memorable path that fans still discuss today.
In this article, you will know Erick Silva’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more details about his life.
Erick Silva’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Erick Silva |
| Date of Birth | June 21, 1984 |
| Age | 41 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2005 |
| Net Worth | $1 Million (Estimated) |
| Source of Wealth | MMA Fight Purses, Endorsements |
| Wife | Isabela |
| Children | Two Sons |
| @ericksilvamma | |
| @ErickSilvaMMA |
Early Career
Born in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil, Erick Silva discovered his passion for martial arts at a young age. Like many Brazilian fighters, he immersed himself in the disciplined world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo, laying the groundwork for what would become a dangerous grappling game.
His early years were defined by a rigorous training schedule at the renowned Team Nogueira, where he trained alongside legends like Anderson Silva and the Nogueira brothers.
Before shining on the global stage, Silva cut his teeth in the competitive regional circuit of Brazil. He made his professional debut in 2005, fighting in promotions like Jungle Fight, where he quickly built a reputation as a finisher.
His aggressive style and ability to end fights in the first round drew significant attention, eventually capturing the Jungle Fight Welterweight Championship. This dominance on the local scene proved he was ready for the highest level of competition.
Professional Career
Erick Silva’s professional career is best remembered for his tenure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he debuted in 2011 with a stunning knockout of Luis Ramos in just 40 seconds.
This lightning-fast victory immediately branded him as a top prospect to watch. Throughout his time in the octagon, he became known for his “kill or be killed” mentality, earning multiple “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses for his thrilling battles against high-level opponents like Matt Brown and Jon Fitch.
Despite battling inconsistencies and injuries that hindered a sustained title run, Silva’s resume includes victories over formidable names such as Josh Koscheck and Jason High.
Following his departure from the UFC, he signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA in 2018 and also competed in LFA, showcasing his longevity in the sport.
Although he stepped away from active competition in recent years, his legacy as an exciting finisher remains intact among hardcore MMA fans.
Erick Silva’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Erick Silva’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $1 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his long tenure in the UFC, where he earned significant fight purses and performance bonuses.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Result | Base Purse | Bonus/Reebok Pay | Total Payout (Est) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night 40 | Matt Brown | Loss | $22,000 | $50,000 (FOTN) | $72,000 |
| UFC 196 | Nordine Taleb | Loss | $34,000 | $10,000 | $44,000 |
| UFC Fight Night 29 | Dong Hyun Kim | Loss | $69,000 | N/A | $69,000 |
| UFC 153 | Jon Fitch | Loss | N/A | $50,000 (FOTN) | $50,000+ |
| UFC 134 | Luis Ramos | Win | $6,000 | $6,000 (Win Bonus) | $12,000 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2011 | $12,000+ |
| 2012 | $100,000+ |
| 2014 | $150,000+ |
| 2016 | $100,000+ |
| 2017 | $80,000+ |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 20-11-0 (1 NC) |
| Wins by Knockout | 4 |
| Wins by Submission | 7 |
| First Round Finishes | 7 |
| Sig. Strikes Landed/Min | 2.56 |
| Striking Accuracy | 45% |
| Takedown Average/15 min | 2.16 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 52% |
| Submission Average/15 min | 1.1 |
FAQs
1. What is Erick Silva’s professional fighting record?
The Brazilian fighter holds a professional MMA record of 20 wins and 11 losses across his entire career in various organizations. Silva achieved most of his victories through submissions or knockout.
2. Why did Erick Silva retire from professional MMA?
Silva decided to end his fighting career after he suffered a heart attack that scared him and his family significantly. The doctors and his loved ones convinced him that his health mattered more than returning to the cage for another fight.
3. Who won the fight between Erick Silva and Matt Brown?
Matt Brown defeated Silva by technical knockout in the third round of their exciting main event battle in May 2014. Both fighters traded heavy punches and kicks throughout the match, which caused fans to call it one of the best fights of that year.
4. What happened during the fight with Carlo Prater?
The referee stopped the match and declared Carlo Prater the winner because Silva struck the back of Prater’s head illegally. Many people felt Silva deserved the victory because he dominated Prater with quick punches before the referee stepped in to end the bout.
5. What is Erick Silva’s nickname in the fighting world?
Fans and announcers call this welterweight fighter “The Tiger” because of his aggressive style and his competitive spirit inside the octagon. He often showed the ferocity of a wild animal when he attacked his opponents with fast combinations and jumping knee strikes.
