Special Rules Revealed For Andy-Sonnen Slugfest In Brazil

Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will box longtime division rival Chael Sonnen in the main event of Spaten Fight Night, recently made official for Sat., June 15, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The contest will be staged across five, two-minute rounds at a catchweight of 216 pounds, with both combatants wearing 14-ounce gloves.

National Boxing Council Brazil president Geyza Caryny told MMA Fighting that Silva vs. Sonnen will stand as an exhibition bout, with a winner being declared by way of stoppage or decision. The black tie event is expected to include 600 invitees and will stand as Silva’s final fight in Brazil (but not his retirement fight), according to reports, airing live on Globo.

Silva, two years older than Sonnen at 49, already holds a pair of wins over “The American Gangster” from their days as UFC headliners. After his come-from-behind victory at UFC 117 in Oakland, “The Spider” annihilated Sonnen by second-round technical knockout in their UFC 148 rematch in Las Vegas. They later became buds by way of Brazilian barbecue.