mma · MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Anderson Silva's UFC Reign Ends with KO, Followed by Leg Break and Drug Test Sanctions
What happened?
Outcome verifiedAnderson Silva lost his UFC Middleweight Championship to Chris Weidman by KO at UFC 162 in July 2013, followed by a severe leg break in their December 2013 rematch and two separate drug test failures leading to suspensions and fines.
By AfterTheClip Research · Research and drafting use automated tools; source, safety, and publication checks follow our documented standards.
The full story
Chris Weidman ended Anderson Silva's run as UFC middleweight champion at UFC 162 on July 6, 2013. UFC's result identifies a knockout victory for Weidman and the transfer of the title, without needing a more elaborate explanation of the finishing sequence. Silva received an immediate rematch at UFC 168 on December 28. This time, Silva threw a left leg kick and Weidman checked it. Silva fractured the tibia and fibula in that leg, and Weidman retained the championship by TKO. UFC and FOX Sports both covered that injury and result. Silva's later career included a separate anti-doping matter. USADA announced in July 2018 that he had accepted a one-year sanction after testing positive for methyltestosterone metabolites and hydrochlorothiazide. The agency determined that the substances came from a contaminated supplement and made the sanction retroactive to November 2017. Weidman's place in the promotion's history was recognized again in May 2026, when UFC announced him for its Hall of Fame class. The central aftermath remains a two-fight reversal: Weidman first took Silva's title by knockout, then kept it when Silva's checked kick ended the rematch with a severe leg injury.
Where things stand
Anderson Silva's post-UFC career has included several high-profile boxing matches. A planned third encounter with Chris Weidman for a November 14, 2025, boxing card was cancelled due to a bicep injury suffered by Weidman, alongside the cancellation of the main event between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis. While both fighters remain retired from mixed martial arts, Weidman confirmed in April 2026 that MVP approached him about a potential trilogy bout. Weidman stated he is open to the fight for the right price, but no formal agreements or further developments have occurred, leaving the status of a potential third meeting between the two former champions uncertain.
Checked through 2026-08-26.Embed unavailable
Open clipTimeline
Anderson Silva loses his UFC Middleweight Championship to Chris Weidman via knockout at UFC 162.
In their rematch at UFC 168, Anderson Silva suffers a severe leg break of his tibia and fibula, resulting in a TKO victory for Chris Weidman.
Reports surface that Anderson Silva tested positive for banned substances (drostanolone metabolites and androsterone) in a pre-fight drug test related to his UFC 183 fight against Nick Diaz.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) suspends Anderson Silva for one year and fines him $380,000 following his drug test failures.
Anderson Silva is removed from a scheduled fight against Kelvin Gastelum due to a failed USADA drug test, which resulted in a retroactive one-year sanction.
Anderson Silva officially leaves the UFC after a TKO loss to Uriah Hall.
Chris Weidman suffers a severe leg break against Uriah Hall at UFC 261, similar to Silva's injury.
Anderson Silva is inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Chris Weidman announces his retirement from the UFC.
Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman are officially announced to face each other in a six-round boxing match on November 14, 2025.
The Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis event is cancelled.
A scheduled boxing match between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman is cancelled due to a bicep injury sustained by Weidman.
Chris Weidman is confirmed to have withdrawn from the scheduled boxing match against Anderson Silva due to a bicep injury.
Chris Weidman confirms that Most Valuable Promotions approached him about a potential third fight against Anderson Silva, but no further progress has been made.
Chris Weidman is announced as an inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
What people are asking
How did Anderson Silva lose his belt?
Anderson Silva lost his UFC Middleweight Championship belt to Chris Weidman via knockout at UFC 162 on July 6, 2013, after Weidman landed a left hook during the second round.
Who did Anderson Silva lose his title to?
Anderson Silva lost his UFC Middleweight title to Chris Weidman.
Is Anderson Silva still fighting Chris Weidman?
No, Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman are not currently fighting each other in MMA. Silva officially left the UFC in 2020 and has transitioned to professional boxing, while Weidman retired from the UFC in January 2025. However, Silva has expressed interest in a potential boxing match against Weidman after completing police academy training.
Receipts
- RedditJul 20, 2020
- UFC.comJul 6, 2013
Weidman's knockout victory and the end of Silva's middleweight title reign.
- FOX SportsDec 28, 2013
the checked kick, Silva's fractured leg and Weidman's TKO win in the rematch.
- SportskeedaSep 10, 2021
- UFC.comDec 28, 2013
- USADAJul 18, 2018
the one-year anti-doping sanction and contaminated-supplement finding.
- TheSportsterFeb 23, 2025
- Wikipedia
- UFC.comMay 9, 2026
Weidman's selection for the UFC Hall of Fame class of 2026.
- CBS SportsOct 16, 2025
The announcement of the boxing match between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.
- SherdogNov 21, 2025
Chris Weidman's withdrawal from the boxing match due to injury.
- Wikipedia
The cancellation of the Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis event.
- MMA FightingApr 24, 2026
Chris Weidman confirms MVP reached out regarding a potential third fight with Anderson Silva in April 2026.
How we researched this & corrections
Information was gathered by cross-referencing details from the Reddit post and comments with reputable sports news outlets, official UFC records, and anti-doping agency reports to verify incidents and their aftermath.
- Jul 28, 2026 — Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman were scheduled to face each other in a professional boxing match on November 14, 2025, as part of a Most Valuable Promotions event. The bout was ultimately cancelled after Weidman withdrew due to a bicep injury, and the entire event was subsequently called off.
- Aug 26, 2026 — In April 2026, Chris Weidman confirmed that Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) reached out regarding a potential third fight against Anderson Silva. Weidman expressed openness to the bout, whether in boxing or MMA, provided the financial compensation is sufficient, but noted that no further progress has been made since the initial inquiry.
Spot something wrong? Corrections: corrections@aftertheclip.com.

