UFC Fight Night 84 preview: A close look at Anderson Silva’s career statistics

With just two fights in more than two years and winless since October 2012, former UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva has lost much of the untouchable aura that once surrounded him.

The past several years have been rough on Silva (33-6 MMA, 16-2 UFC), from his shocking leg break at UFC 168 in December 2013 to his return fight with Nick Diaz in January 2015 being marred by – and win overturned because of – failed drug tests, “The Spider” is viewed very differently than just a handful of years ago.

Regardless of all that, though, Silva is still one of the most accomplished fighters to ever compete in the sport. Any time the Brazilian enters the octagon for competition could the last, but at UFC Fight Night 84 on Saturday, he’ll look to add more to his historic resume when he takes on Michael Bisping (27-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) at the UFC Fight Pass-streamed event in London.

Every time the legendary ex-champion steps in the octagon, it is a monumental occasion for the sport. With arguably the most pivotal bout of his late UFC career just around the corner, what better time than now to take a closer look at all the achievements Silva has under his belt thus far?

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General statistics

At 40, is the second oldest active fighter in the UFC middleweight division behind Dan Henderson (45).

Including UFC Fight Night 84, he will have fought in the main event in 19 of his 20 UFC appearances. Silva’s 19 headlining bouts are the most in company history.

His 16 victories in UFC competition are fifth most in company history behind Georges St-Pierre (19), Matt Hughes (18) Gleison Tibau (17) and Bisping (17).

Holds the UFC record for most consecutive victories with 16.

His 13 victories in UFC middleweight competition are tied for the most in history.

His 14 stoppage victories in UFC competition are tied with Vitor Belfort for the most in history.

His 11 knockout victories in UFC competition are second most in history behind Belfort (12).

His 12 fight-night bonuses are tied with Nate Diaz for second most in UFC history and behind Joe Lauzon (13). His seven of the now-defunct “Knockout of the Night” bonuses were the most in the award’s history.

Holds victories over six former UFC, PRIDE or Strikeforce champions (Belfort, Henderson, Forrest Griffin, Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt, Carlos Newton).

Championship statistics

Anderson Silva

At 38 was the second oldest fighter to compete in a UFC championship bout when he faced Chris Weidman at UFC 168. Only Randy Couture, who last fought for UFC gold at 45 years old, was older.

His 13 appearances in UFC championship fights are the third most in company history behind Couture (15) and St-Pierre (14).

His 11 victories in UFC championship fights are the second most in history behind St-Pierre (12).

Holds the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses with 10.

His 2,457-day middleweight title reign between Oct. 14, 2006 and June 6, 2013 stands as the longest championship run in UFC history.

In-fight statistics

His 63.2 percent significant striking accuracy in UFC competition is the third highest rate in company history.

His 78 percent takedown defense accuracy is the fourth highest in middleweight history.

Of his 16 UFC victories, has defeated his opponents by 12 different methods.

His 17 knockdowns landed in UFC competition are the most in history.

His seven knockdowns landed from the clinch position in UFC competition are the most in history.

One of two fighters in UFC history with three knockdowns landed against a single opponent in two separate bouts. Bantamweight John Lineker also accomplished the feat.

Has only fought past the second round five times in his UFC career and has only fought to a decision on three occasions.

Has only suffered a loss due to strikes against one fighter in his career.

For more on UFC Fight Night 84, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

FightMetric research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on Twitter @MJCflipdascript.