UFC releases Anderson Silva

Former UFC middleweight king Anderson Silva has been released by the UFC after 14 years with the organization.

Silva, 45, has fought eight times since first losing his middleweight title to Chris Weidman at UFC 162. Of these fights, he has won only one, posting a record of 1-6, with one No Contest (an overturned win over Nick Diaz at UFC 183).

Silva, of course, holds the record for most consecutive wins in the UFC, with 16; a streak he recorded from his debut in the promotion back in 2006 all the way until his first loss to Weidman in 2013.

Dana White had made it clear before Silva’s bout with Uriah Hall that this would be Silva’s last outing with the UFC. Many speculated that Bellator would swoop in and sign the aging legend, but Bellator president Scott Coker did not seem too keen on this idea, saying that he is “happy with the way our roster is heading and the fighters that we have now.”

Silva’s swan’s song against Hall was entertaining and competitive, with both men having their moments, until late in the fourth round when the legend gets caught by a counter right hand as he tries to close the distance. Many saw this as a throwback to Silva’s own deadly counters against Forrest Griffin.

Silva did not make it clear whether he wants to retire or continue competing. But in the current uncertain economic climate, there may be a lack of promotions interested in offering him a contract.