By Penny Buffington | MMA Fight Coverage
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) continues to stack one of the most star-powered cards of the year as two MMA legends step back under the bright lights. Brazil’s iconic former UFC middleweight king Anderson “The Spider” Silva will face former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in a professional 6-round cruiserweight bout on the main card of Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day, Friday, December 19, from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida — streaming live globally, exclusively on Netflix.
Silva steps in as the latest high-profile attraction while Woodley replaces injured Chris Weidman, setting up a rare clash between two of MMA’s most accomplished champions now colliding in the boxing ring at 195 lbs.
Silva vs. Woodley: A Cross-Era Clash Between Icons
Few names command the reverence of Anderson Silva, the longest-reigning UFC champion in history and a pioneer whose creativity changed the sport forever. After a successful move into boxing — defeating Julio César Chávez Jr., knocking out Tito Ortiz, and going the distance with Jake Paul — Silva returns with the same composure that defined his MMA reign.
“Change always happens for a reason,” Silva said. “I am focused on doing a good job, always respecting my opponent and showing total respect to the boxing world.”
Woodley arrives with equal competitive fire. The Missouri native blitzed through welterweight MMA competition with a 10-0 start, captured UFC gold in 2016, and authored the fastest KO in title fight history. His boxing tenure began with two blockbuster fights against Jake Paul, and now he meets a fellow legend on one of the biggest combat sports stages of the decade.
“Rising to occasions like this are the moments where legends are born,” Woodley said.
MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian praised the matchup:
“Anderson Silva vs. Tyron Woodley is an iconic matchup… Bringing back two of the MMA GOATs on a global stage, live on Netflix, reflects the magnitude of this card.”
CO-MAIN: Baumgardner vs. Beaudoin — 12×3 Rounds for Equality
In the co-main event, undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia “The Bomb” Baumgardner defends her WBA, WBO, and IBF titles against Canada’s top contender Leila Beaudoin in a historic 12 three-minute round world title fight — mirroring the men’s championship format.
Baumgardner continues her mission alongside Amanda Serrano to reshape standards in women’s boxing, while Beaudoin brings momentum and confidence into the biggest opportunity of her career.
PRELIM HEADLINER: Cherneka Johnson Defends Undisputed Bantamweight Crown
Australia’s undisputed 118-lb queen Cherneka “Sugar Neekz” Johnson (WBO, WBA, WBC, IBF) defends her unified titles against undefeated Canadian contender Amanda Galle in the preliminary main event.
Also on the prelims:
Yokasta Valle vs. Yadira Bustillos — WBC Strawweight Title
Costa Rican star Yokasta Valle defends her 105-lb world championship in a 10-round showdown against Yadira “La Reina” Bustillos.
Avious Griffin vs. Justin Cardona — Welterweight Collision
Knockout artist Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (16 KOs in 17 wins) meets rising threat Justin Cardona over eight rounds at 147 lbs.
Pro Debut Spotlight: Keno Marley
One of Brazil’s brightest amateurs, two-time Olympian Keno Marley, makes his highly anticipated professional debut against Baltimore southpaw Diarra Davis Jr. in a 4-round cruiserweight bout.
“The spotlight is huge, and I’m ready to make a statement,” said Marley.
Tickets On Sale Now
Tickets for Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day are available at Ticketmaster.com, with MVP offering exclusive VIP fan experiences.
TALE OF THE TAPE — SILVA vs. WOODLEY
| Attribute | Anderson Silva | Tyron Woodley |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 49 | 42 |
| Height | 6′2″ | 5′9″ |
| Reach | 77.5″ | 74″ |
| Pro Boxing Record | 3–2 (2 KOs) | 0–2 |
| MMA Record | 34–11 (22 KOs) | 19–7–1 (7 KOs) |
| Titles Held | Longest-reigning UFC Middleweight Champion | Former UFC Welterweight Champion |
| Bout Weight | 195 lbs | 195 lbs |
| Rounds | 6 | 6 |
| Style | Precision counter-striker | Explosive power-puncher |
