Anderson Silva Loses to Daniel Cormier at UFC 200

Anderson Silva, one of the most successful fighters in UFC history, suffered a defeat to UFC Light [...]

silva cormier
(Photo: UFC)

Anderson Silva, one of the most successful fighters in UFC history, suffered a defeat to UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 200. Cormier beat Silva via unanimous judges' decision in the third round after dominating the fight from start to finish.

Silva accepted the match on two days' notice, after Cormier's previous opponent Jon Jones was pulled due to a positive drug sample. Silva usually fights at a lower weight class, but has previously won all of his fights at 205 pounds.

Ranked as the #8 pound for pound fighter in the UFC, Cormier has been UFC Light Heavyweight Champion since last year, when he won the belt at UFC 185 against Anthony Johnson. Cormier would have retained the title even with a loss, as his fight against Silva was a non-title match.

Depending on the final verdict on Jones' drug violation, Cormier will eventually face Jones in a highly anticipated rematch. Cormier lost to Jones in 2015 and only won the UFC Light Heavyweight belt when Jones was stripped of the championship.