Tito Ortiz will be looking to turn back the clock again when he meets fellow UFC legend Anderson Silva in a boxing match this September. The unlikely matchup was announced earlier this week and is targeted to take place on Sept. 11 as part of the Triller undercard for Oscar De La Hoya vs. Vitor Belfort.
This isn’t the most likely matchup with Silva coming off a decision win over former boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. this past June (highlights HERE), but Ortiz is still a big name in combat sports. It’s also a major step in the right direction for Triller which now has a solid co-main event in place for De La Hoya vs. Belfort.
That said, Ortiz has never been known for his striking skills and may be entering one of the toughest fights of his career. Silva, who is widely considered one of the best fighters in UFC history, looked tremendous in his return to boxing earlier this year. He’s longer, more patient, and more versatile than Ortiz. It’s not going to be a walk in the park for “Huntington Beach Bad Boy.”
Ortiz, who was last seen choking out former WWE star Alberto Del Rio at Combate Americas 51 back in 2019, took to Instagram after his matchup with Silva was announced. The former UFC champion revealed he has been working on his boxing over the past decade and plans on dishing out some serious punishment next month.
“IT’S OFFICIAL!!! September 11th at the Staples Center live on PPV @Triller “Battle of the Legends” I’ve been work extensively on my boxing over the past 10 years. Excited to showcase my skills against one of the greatest MMA fighters @spiderAndersonSilva in a boxing match. I always put on a show!! I’m definitely looking for blood.”
Fight fans will have to wait until next month to see if Ortiz’s boxing skills have any chance against Silva. “Spider’s” legendary striking prowess remains somewhat limited inside the boxing ring, but he has already opened up as a -500 favorite.