UFC 237 was a bad night for aging legends in MMA. On the undercard, former lightweight and welterweight champion B.J. Penn lost his record seventh straight fight in the UFC. Then on the main card, former featherweight champion Jose Aldo picked up his third loss in five fights. But perhaps most disappointing was the co-main event, where former middleweight champion Anderson Silva lost to Jared Cannonier in a fight that had echoes of Silva’s horrible leg injury in his rematch with Chris Weidman.

Though Silva didn’t look bad early on in his fight with Cannonier, late in the first round, “The Killa Gorilla” threw an inside leg kick that immediately buckled Silva, sending the middleweight GOAT to the ground, writhing in pain. In his post-fight interview, Silva revealed that he had been having knee problems in the lead up to the fight but wanted to fight anyway. Afterwards, he had to be helped out of the cage. It was an unsettling defeat for the man who holds the UFC’s all-time record for consecutive wins. Such was the manner of Silva’s loss that now even former opponents are calling for “The Spider” to hang up the gloves, namely, Michael Bisping.

Bisping and Silva fought back in 2016 with Bisping winning a very close decision. Speaking on the ESPN+ post-fight show, the former middleweight champion speculated that Silva tore his ACL and said that now was the time for his 44-year-old rival to walk away from MMA.

“I don’t think we’ll ever see Anderson Silva fight again. He certainly doesn’t need to” -@bisping (via @sportscenter) pic.twitter.com/sOtdE2pZSt — ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 12, 2019

“Anderson Silva is a true legend of the sport. He’s given so much, a longtime champion, but he’s 44 years old. A lot of people wondered, ‘Why is he still fighting?’ I think tonight, even though he looked OK, the fight obviously ended. He took an inside leg kick and I think that he tore his ACL. I don’t think we’ll ever see Anderson Silva fight again. He certainly doesn’t need to. Father Time has caught him up. With the greatest of respect, Anderson Silva needs to retire. He’s already given so much to this sport. He doesn’t need to give anymore. Enjoy retirement.”

Bisping has a point. The loss on Saturday marks Silva’s sixth in his last eight fights, his lone win in that time being a controversial decision over Derek Brunson. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem likely to happen. In the lead up to UFC 237, Silva was adamant that he would finish his current UFC contract, which has two to three fights left on it after Saturday. Perhaps this latest loss will change his mind.

MUST-READ STORIES

UFC 237. Jessica Andrade knocks out Rose Namajunas with vicious slam to take women’s strawweight title.

Bellator 221. Patricio Pitbull claims lightweight title with controversial KO over Michael Chandler.

Retirement? Rose Namajunas hints at retirement after UFC 237 loss.

Upset. Michael Chandler says referee ‘stuck his head in the sand and ran’ after controversial stoppage.

Ronda. Ronda Rousey: UFC debut vs. Liz Carmouche ‘felt bigger’ than WrestleMania.

He’s back. Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis verbally agree to welterweight bout at UFC 241.

VIDEO STEW

UFC 237 post-fight press conference highlights.

Bellator 221 highlights.

Ronda’s interview with Megan Olivi.

Here’s the full video of Burroughs vs. Askren.

Chi Lewis-Perry getting aggro at Jon Jones.

LFA 66 highlight and Josh Burkman’s retirement.

LISTEN UP

6th Round. Immediate post-fight reaction to UFC 237.

Severe MMA. Discussing the slam, B.J.’s legacy, Bellator 221, and Nate vs. Pettis.

Pull No Punches. An interview with Chris Leben.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Why is Dana picking anyone’s walkout?

Joanna being supportive.

Keep ya head up @rosenamajunas You made it to the special league - League of the #UFCCHAMPIONS ✊ it stays 4ever — Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) May 12, 2019

#themoreyouknow

Corey what’s up! No my friend that is not a spike. Any throw with an arc, lift can be brought down in any fashion. Rose held onto kimura grip. A spike is a 12-6 motion feet up/head down where you control your opponent. Think tombstone/pile-driver. Thank you hope you’re well. https://t.co/NzAun3vjoy — Marc Goddard (@marcgoddard_uk) May 12, 2019

When Rose goes for the armbar she has a choice to either let go of the armbar or try and hold onto it and go for the ride that Andrade is going to put on her. There is no illegal slam when a submission is being attempted. It does not matter how she brings her down #AskBJM https://t.co/eBgvzcdZBY — Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) May 12, 2019

Max calling out Conor for his recent trend of deleting tweets.

I'll leave this right here. Don't delete your tweets my bratha. I can take it #keepthatsameenergy pic.twitter.com/jaKHyJI08T — Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) May 12, 2019

Farewell.

Respect.

Duas lendas dentro e fora do octógono!! @clayguida venceu @bjpenndotcom por decisão dos juízes e depois rolou esse encontro nos bastidores do #UFC237 pic.twitter.com/JRyVjZym7G — UFC Brasil (@UFCBrasil) May 12, 2019

The man definitely deserves it.

He’s got a great case.

Ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you guys to the 2019 #MMA coach of the year. Two world title fights , 1 against the *greatest Bantamweight in #ufc history and the second against the greatest Lightweight in #bellator history. Result ? @cptamericas pic.twitter.com/UaRBIhW3bS — Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) May 13, 2019

Ben Askren and Jack Swagger.

Jake Hager just said “I have a boner”! One of the weirdest post fight speeches ever — Ben Askren (@Benaskren) May 12, 2019

You’re talking about weird Funky? — You Dont Know Jack (@RealJackSwagger) May 12, 2019

I may do some strange things, but getting aroused by grappling men who have very little skill is not one of them. https://t.co/f71iTTRFlk — Ben Askren (@Benaskren) May 12, 2019

Legalize soccer kicks, and standing headbutts.

People horrified over a lil slam and I'm over here like legalize soccer kicks #UFC237 #pride #slam — Justin Buchholz (@JustinBuchholz) May 12, 2019

Rest of the year.

Where will we see you in the back half of 2019? #UFC237 pic.twitter.com/6MtQjbX6lL — UFC (@ufc) May 12, 2019

This is good Tweeting.

... and now his watch is ended.#GameofThrones



Thank you TJ Jones for bringing it all week pic.twitter.com/A9EJposEBZ — DAZN USA (@DAZN_USA) May 12, 2019

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tony Ferguson (24-3) vs. Donald Cerrone (36-11, 1 NC); UFC 238, June 8.

Aaron Pico (4-2) vs. Adam Borics (12-0); Bellator 222, June 14.

Nate Diaz (19-11) vs. Anthony Pettis (22-8); UFC 241, Aug. 17.

TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2017: Stipe Miocic defended his UFC heavyweight title for the second time, knocking out Junior dos Santos at UFC 211. In the co-main event, Joanna Jedrzejczyk won a unanimous decision over Jessica Andrade to retain her strawweight title. This card also featured the first fight between Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier, the one that ended in a No Contest after Alvarez illegally kneed Poirier.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thanks for reading and see y’all tomorrow.

EXIT POLL

Poll Will Anderson retire now? This poll is closed. 32% Yes (394 votes)

67% No (833 votes) 1227 votes total Vote Now

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