Anderson Silva Dominates Tyron Woodley in Boxing Debut, Eyes Weidman Rematch – Plus Baumgardner’s Title Defense
Anderson Silva proved he’s a force to be reckoned with in the boxing ring, decisively defeating former UFC champion Tyron Woodley via second-round TKO Friday night. The bout, part of a Netflix boxing event, showcased Silva’s calculated approach and undeniable striking prowess. But the night wasn’t just about Silva’s victory; it also featured a dominant performance from Alycia Baumgardner in her title defense.
Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the event:
Silva’s Stunning Performance
Woodley, facing a significant 5-inch height disadvantage, struggled to find his rhythm against Silva. The first round saw a cautious approach from both fighters, drawing boos from the crowd. Though, the action ignited in the second.
Silva expertly closed the distance, landing a devastating uppercut that visibly rocked Woodley. He then unleashed a flurry of combinations, ultimately forcing Woodley to the canvas. It was a clear presentation of Silva’s boxing skills and tactical intelligence.
Following the win, Silva surprised many by announcing his aspirations to join the Beverly Hills Police Department. Yet, he emphatically stated his boxing career isn’t over.
He specifically called out Chris Weidman for a rematch, stating, “chris, I know you hurt your arm, and I’m waiting.” Silva wants to prove that former UFC fighters can excel in boxing and earn respect within the boxing community. This potential clash would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event.
Baumgardner Defends Title with Unanimous Decision
In the co-main event, unified women’s junior lightweight champion Alycia Baumgardner secured a unanimous decision victory over Leila beaudoin. While she didn’t deliver the promised knockout,Baumgardner displayed superior conditioning and skill throughout the 12-round contest.
Here’s how the fight unfolded:
* Early Rounds: Baumgardner established control with precise footwork and a consistent jab.
* Mid-Fight Shift: she transitioned to targeting Beaudoin’s body, wearing her opponent down.
* Round 7 Knockdown: A powerful chopping right hand sent Beaudoin to the canvas.
* Late Rally: Beaudoin showed resilience in Round 11, briefly staggering Baumgardner with counter punches.
* Final Round: Baumgardner finished strong, landing hard combinations to solidify her victory.
Judges scored the fight 117-110 (x2) and 118-109, all in favor of Baumgardner.
Baumgardner, recently signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable promotions, previously vacated her WBC title in protest of the sanctioning body’s rules regarding women’s championship fights. Her performance underscored her commitment to the sport and her ability to adapt to the longer, three-minute rounds of professional boxing.
This event highlighted the growing crossover between MMA and boxing, and the potential for established stars to find success in new arenas. Silva’s victory, in particular, sends a strong message: never underestimate a legend. And with Baumgardner continuing to dominate, the future of women’s boxing looks brighter than ever.
Sources:
* Ed Mulholland/Getty Images for Netflix (Image Credit)
* ESPN (
