Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Anderson Silva called his loss to Uriah Hall his “final moment,” but hedged on whether or not UFC Vegas 12 would mark his last fight as a professional.
The former middleweight kingpin was stopped by Hall in the fourth round of their ESPN headliner at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. And while the outcome was decisive, Silva’s future was anything but.
Speaking to his former opponent, UFC commentator and ex-middleweight champ Michael Bisping, “The Spider” said he would consult with his family before making a final decision.
“I don’t know, first I go back home, and I go see with my team [about] everything,” he said. “It’s tough to say it’s my last, because this is my air. Let’s go see.”
Fighters still paid tribute to Silva as if he will hang up his gloves. Here’s what they had to say.
Hope that’s the end for Anderson. He is a legend!
— “Young Superstar” (@Benaskren) November 1, 2020
Who’s cutting onions ?
— Randy Brown (@TouchNgo_) November 1, 2020
@SpiderAnderson Nosso herói!!!! We love you and we all thankful for all you done
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) November 1, 2020
What a great career for the Spider! One of the best ever! #UFC
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) November 1, 2020
@SpiderAnderson thank you for everything!!! you a very special human being. You entertained and blessed the world with your greatness
— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) November 1, 2020
You have respect a 45 year old man , getting himself in shape , making weight and competing with younger / some of the best athletes in the world! Thanks for everything legend Anderson Silva, single handily carrying our sport! #UFC
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) November 1, 2020
@SpiderAnderson still my hero #ufcvegas12
— Johnny Walker (@JohnnyWalker) November 1, 2020
@SpiderAnderson The legend. thanks for everything you did in the sport #UFCVegas12 #SpiderNoCombate @ufc @UFCBrasil
— Augusto Sakai (@AugustoSakai) November 1, 2020
So emotional watching the last fight for Anderson Silva in the UFC.
He has inspired entire generations of martial artists and cannot wait to see him be inducted into the HOF #UFCVegas12
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) November 1, 2020
Anderson Silva went 16-0 in the UFC……. despite loses he’s one of the ‘s. Absolutely legendary career
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) November 1, 2020
Anderson had an amazing career. 45 years old, 45 fights and yet competing and winning most of the fight against a top 15 fighter. He was looking great. Fought like a warrior and made us all proud anyway. #UFCVegas12
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) 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
Wow, Thank you Anderson, we love you
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 1, 2020
Thank you for every second of your magic @SpiderAnderson!
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) November 1, 2020
Thank you @SpiderAnderson for all the incredible moments pic.twitter.com/owzBesZQC2
— danawhite (@danawhite) November 1, 2020