“Anderson would really like to fight Roy Jones Jr. under boxing rules. It’s not just talk, we would really like to do this fight together…” confirmed Anderson Silva’s manager, Ed Soares, back in 2008. At that time, within less than two years of joining the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the Brazilian had already established himself as a dominant force. He dismantled several big names in the promotion, including Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, and Chris Leben, and was already the 185lbs kingpin.

After securing six consecutive victories, ‘The Spider’ felt untouchable and sought a new challenge—one that would silence boxing purists who claimed, “MMA athletes don’t have technique.” To prove them wrong, he set his sights on boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. Unlike many other boxers, Jones Jr. had always shown respect for the UFC and its fighters. However, UFC CEO Dana White quickly shut down the idea, stating that it would not happen “while Silva is under contract with me.” This effectively threw cold water on the potential crossover fight.

Over the years, the possibility of an Anderson Silva vs. Roy Jones Jr. boxing match has continued to surface within both MMA and boxing circles. Even now, despite ‘The Spider’ no longer competing in MMA and Jones Jr. being 56 years old, the long-discussed fight has once again made headlines.

Recently, in an interview with TNT Sports, the Brazilian revealed an interesting moment from his past. He recalled that back in 2013 at UFC 168 when he suffered a devastating injury—breaking both his tibia and fibula while facing Chris Weidman in their rematch—he made a bold proposal to Dana White. Silva shared, “When I broke my leg, I said to Dana: ‘Why don’t we make this fight? Me and Roy Jones?'”

By 2020, the Brazilian had gone 1-7 (1 NC) in his last nine UFC appearances, leading to his release from the promotion. However, during this period, the increasing trend of MMA vs. boxing crossover bouts gave fans renewed hope that the long-awaited  Anderson Silva vs. Roy Jones Jr. matchup might finally happen. A major turning point came in 2017 when Conor McGregor took on Floyd Mayweather in a blockbuster boxing event at T-Mobile Arena. With Dana White instrumental in orchestrating high-profile crossover fights, many believed he might finally support Silva’s long-anticipated showdown with ‘Captain Hook’.

However, in 2020, White once again dismissed the possibility, shutting down talks of 45-year-old Anderson Silva facing 51-year-old Jones Jr. in the boxing ring. He made his stance clear, stating, “I don’t do the old guy stuff.” Accepting that the fight was off the table, ‘The Spider’ publicly acknowledged in 2021 that it was never going to happen. Since then, the Brazilian has ventured into boxing, taking on a mix of young prospects and familiar faces from his MMA past. However, he has remained inactive since last year. So, what has the 185lbs GOAT been up to lately? Let’s find out.

Is Anderson Silva returning to MMA?

Since parting ways with the UFC, former middleweight champion Anderson Silva has tested himself in the boxing ring on five occasions, competing in three professional bouts and two exhibitions. The Brazilian made an immediate impact in his June 2021 pro-bout, defeating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. via split decision, proving that his striking prowess extended beyond MMA. He followed that performance with a dominant first-round knockout victory over former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz.

In May 2022, Anderson Silva stepped into the ring for his first exhibition match against Bruno Machado. The fight went the distance but ended without an official winner. Later that year, he faced YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a professional bout, ultimately losing by decision. In 2023, ‘The Spiderman’ reunited with his old rival, Chael Sonnen, for a brief two-minute exhibition match in São Paulo, Brazil. The contest ended in a draw, adding another chapter to their storied history.

Now, it appears Silva may be longing for a return to MMA. Speaking on The Art of War podcast last month, he hinted at unfinished business in combat sports. “Never [retiring]. I train every day. Physical training every day, two days a week I train Jiu-Jitsu, and yesterday I trained in boxing, and also Muay Thai,” Silva shared. “You know the special forces in the Army? That’s the same [with me]. I’m ready. I just need a few things. I just need ‘where,’ an opponent, and the weight… I’m not done fighting.”

What are your thoughts on the long-discussed Anderson Silva vs. Roy Jones Jr. fight? Could it have been a massive draw for Dana White & Co., potentially rivaling the numbers brought in by Conor McGregor’s blockbuster events? Do you think there’s still a chance for this fight to happen? Would you want to see it? Share your opinion below!