Anderson Silva

The Spider — 16 consecutive UFC middleweight title defences, the most dominant champion in UFC history.

Anderson Silva was born in Curitiba, Brazil in 1975. He won the UFC middleweight championship in 2006 and defended it 16 consecutive times — the most in UFC history and one of the most dominant individual championship reigns in any combat sport. His combinations — the precision of his counter-striking, his ability to slip punches and create space — are considered the finest technique in MMA striking history. He suffered a catastrophic broken leg when Chris Weidman checked his kick in his rematch in 2013, ending his championship reign. He tested positive for multiple banned substances in 2015 — receiving a two-year suspension. He continued fighting into his 40s including in boxing exhibitions.

• UFC Middleweight Champion 2006-2013
• 16 consecutive title defences
• Most TDs in UFC middleweight history