Former undisputed UFC middleweight champion and pound-for-pound great Anderson Silva will take on former undisputed UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in a six-round cruiserweight bout at 195 pounds, with Woodley agreeing to step in to replace Silva’s original opponent, Chris Weidman, who was ruled out of the matchup due to injury.
A ‘gladiatorial sport spectacle’
“Anderson Silva vs Tyron Woodley is an iconic matchup, continuing to elevate Jake vs Joshua: Judgment Day into one of the most scintillating combat sports events of the decade,” said CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian.
“This is the gladiatorial sport spectacle of the 21st century. A main event that has engaged the entire world.
“Bringing back two of the MMA GOATS into the spotlight on a global stage, live on Netflix, reflects the magnitude of this card. Alycia Baumgardner making a 12 x 3:00 unified title defense in the co-main event and stepping up beside Amanda Serrano in the history books with this statement for equality, a championship-stacked undercard featuring Cherneka Johnson, Yokasta Valle, and more, Friday, December 19 is poised to become one of the most unforgettable nights in boxing history.”
The original matchup between Silva and Weidman would have reunited the former middleweight rivals, with Silva being given the opportunity to avenge his two losses to the “All-American” in the Octagon.
But after injury forced Weidman out of the contest, Woodley has agreed to step in, and Silva was happy to accept the change of opponent.
Anderson Silva wants to ‘show respect to the boxing world’
“I believe that change always happens for a reason,” he said.
“I am focused on doing a good job, always respecting my opponent and showing total respect to the boxing world.”
Woodley, meanwhile, was short and sweet in his assessment.
“Rising to occasions like this are the moments where legends are born,” he said.
World title clashes added to Jake vs Joshua: Judgment Day card
Also set to feature on the main card in Miami is a battle between MVP’s undisputed super featherweight world champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baungardner, who will put her WBA, WBO and IBF titles on the line against Canadian contender Leila Beaudoin.
The matchup will be contested over 12 three-minute rounds, the same distance and duration as men’s world title fights.
Headlining the preliminary card, Australia’s undisputed bantamweight world champion Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson will put her titles on the line against Canada’s undefeated Amanda “Bambola” Galle, while Costa Rica’s WBC strawweight champion Yokasta Valle takes on Yadira “La Reina” Bustillos.
