Anderson Silva's latest UFC appearance wasn't what he had hoped for. While the 45-year-old Silva was reluctant to say that his fight on Saturday night was indeed his final MMA bout, it's likely he won't step foot in the Octagon again.
Uriah Hall finished Silva with a barrage of punches in the fourth round in the UFC Fight Night main event in Las Vegas. When it was over, Hall, who was in tears, and Silva bowed at each other while on their knees on the mat. Silva thanked Hall for taking the fight, while Hall showed respect to one of his idols.
"You're the reason why I do this," Hall said.
Many of Silva's fellow fighters took to social media to praise Silva, the former longtime UFC middleweight champion who is in the discussion as being the greatest mixed martial artist in history.
@SpiderAnderson 🕷 absolute legend, good luck warrior, may God protect and bless your family.
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) November 1, 2020
If Anderson Silva still has the fire, Conor McGregor encourages him to do what he loves "forever."
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 1, 2020
(via @TheNotoriousMMA) pic.twitter.com/tY3BKAvhHN
Will always love the spider 🕷
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 1, 2020
Legend 🕷️ #UFCVegas12
— Jan Blachowicz (@JanBlachowicz) November 1, 2020
Last time we see @SpiderAnderson in the cage...what an absolute legend of the sport!! 🙏 #UFCVegas12
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) November 1, 2020
Thank you Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) for introducing millions of people to the #MMA world and inspiring many generations of upcoming fighters. You are a legend! 🙏🇧🇷 @ufc #UFCVegas12 #SpiderMan
— Jairzinho 'BIGI BOY' Rozenstruik (@JairRozenstruik) November 1, 2020
Let's go @SpiderAnderson one of biggest motivation for me to start my mma carrier #ufcvegas12
— Johnny Walker (@JohnnyWalker) November 1, 2020
Hope that's the end for Anderson. He is a legend!
— "Young Superstar" (@Benaskren) 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
A lot of great respect there. Love that. Thank you Anderson Silva for so many great moments in that cage. A true martial artist
— Baldy Ed (@brianboom135) November 1, 2020
So emotional watching the last fight for Anderson Silva in the UFC.
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) November 1, 2020
He has inspired entire generations of martial artists and cannot wait to see him be inducted into the HOF #UFCVegas12
What a great career for the Spider! One of the best ever! #UFC
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) November 1, 2020
@SpiderAnderson Nosso herói!!!! We love you and we all thankful for all you done 🏆
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) November 1, 2020
Thank you for all you done @SpiderAnderson 🇧🇷🏆👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Arianelipski (@Ariane_lipski) November 1, 2020
