Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen: Will it be 'The Spider's' retirement fight? Rounds, weight, and everything else we know so far

The third chapter of one of the greatest rivalries in combat sports will go down at Spaten Fight Night on June 15 in Sao Paulo, Brazil as Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen lock horns in boxing. While there have been speculations that this would be the swansong of 'The Spider's' illustrious career, it doesn't seem to be the case.

In a recent post on X, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani stated that according to 'The Spider's' team, Silva vs. Sonnen won't be the former long-reigning UFC middleweight champion's retirement fight, but merely his last fight in Brazil.

The professional boxing bout will be a black-tie event with 600 guests in attendance. Per Helwani, the fight will be of five - two-minute rounds at 216 pounds.

This would be the first time Silva would be fighting in his hometown, despite having fought in the country multiple times in the past.

The pair have fought each other twice during their UFC days. Sonnen's infamous callout of 'The Spider' during his post-fight interview at UFC 136 is one of the most iconic moments in the history of MMA.

Furthermore, during their first meeting at UFC 148, Sonnen dominated the then-middleweight champion, who was on a 12-fight win streak at the time, for almost the entirety of the fight before Silva pulled an arm triangle off his back, late in Round 5, to steal the win.

Watch Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva 1 below:

However, in their second fight two years later at UFC 148, Silva closed shop early as he TKO'd the challenger from West Linn Oregon in the second round.

The Brazilian holds a record of 3-2 in boxing with a notable win against former WBC world middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

While Sonnen is yet to step into the squared circle as a professional, he is a former three-time UFC title challenger and holds notable wins against the likes of Michael Bisping, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, and Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua among others.

---

VIDEO: Chael Sonnen's message to Anderson Silva

With his fight against Anderson Silva edging close, Chael Sonnen has sent out a callout for his former arch-rival on social media.

In a recent video uploaded to X, the former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger said:

"Oh Anderson, yoohoo. It's me again, see you June 15."

Catch Chael Sonnen's callout to Anderson Silva below:

The 47-year-old was last seen in action in a second-round TKO loss against former UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida at Bellator 222 in 2019.

Furthermore, Sonnen is primarily a grappler, without his wrestling to help him against Silva this time around, it would be interesting to see how he'd fare in the matchup.