Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bruno Silva (fighter)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 10, 2025

Discover the career path of Bruno Silva (fighter), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Bruno Silva is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. Notably, he is a former M-1 Global Middleweight Champion, indicating a successful career prior to joining the UFC. His presence in the UFC highlights his status as a recognized and skilled competitor in the sport of mixed martial arts.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2009: Started MMA training

In 2009, Bruno Silva began training in MMA. After three months, he had his first fight, initially out of curiosity. Following the loss of his father in 2009, fighting became a form of therapy for him.

2010: Turned professional

In 2010, Bruno Silva turned professional, and between 2010 and 2012, he had a record of 6 wins and 5 losses in 11 fights.

2012: Focused on Athletic Career

After 2012, Bruno Silva dedicated himself to his athletic career, leading to a turnaround in his performance.

2013: The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 Tryout

In 2013, Bruno Silva tried out for The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3.

February 24, 2018: RCC Debut

On February 24, 2018, Bruno Silva made his debut for Russian Cagefighting Championship (RCC) against Gennadiy Kovalev at RCC 2, winning by first-round knockout.

June 1, 2018: M-1 Global Debut

On June 1, 2018, Bruno Silva made his M-1 Global debut against Alexander Shlemenko at M-1 Challenge 93 – Shlemenko vs. Silva, winning by first-round knockout.

November 2, 2018: M-1 Global Middleweight Championship Win

On November 2, 2018, Bruno Silva fought Artem Frolov for the M-1 Global Middleweight Championship at M-1 Challenge 98 - Frolov vs. Silva, winning the championship via fourth-round technical knockout.

May 2019: Signed with UFC

In May 2019, Bruno Silva signed with the UFC.

June 22, 2019: Scheduled Fight and Subsequent Withdrawal

Bruno Silva was scheduled to replace injured Markus Perez against Deron Winn on June 22, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 154. However, on June 16, Silva was forced to withdraw due to a potential anti-doping violation by USADA and was replaced by Eric Spicely.

June 14, 2021: Eligibility to Return to Competition

According to USADA, Bruno Silva was eligible to return to competition after June 14, 2021, following his suspension for testing positive for boldenone.

June 19, 2021: UFC Debut

On June 19, 2021, Bruno Silva made his UFC debut against Wellington Turman at UFC on ESPN 25, winning the fight via first-round knockout.

October 16, 2021: Defeated Andrew Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 195

On October 16, 2021, Bruno Silva faced Andrew Sanchez at UFC Fight Night 195 and won via technical knockout in round three, earning him the Performance of the Night award.

December 11, 2021: Defeated Jordan Wright at UFC 269

On December 11, 2021, Bruno Silva fought Jordan Wright at UFC 269, winning via TKO in the first round and earning his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.

March 12, 2022: Lost to Alex Pereira at UFC Fight Night 203

On March 12, 2022, Bruno Silva faced Alex Pereira at UFC Fight Night 203 and lost the fight via unanimous decision after being outstruck for all three rounds.

August 13, 2022: Lost to Gerald Meerschaert at UFC on ESPN 41

On August 13, 2022, Bruno Silva faced Gerald Meerschaert at UFC on ESPN 41 and lost the fight via a guillotine choke in round three.

December 17, 2022: Pulled from UFC Fight Night 216 due to injury

On December 17, 2022, Bruno Silva was scheduled to face Albert Duraev at UFC Fight Night 216, but he was pulled from the event due to an injury and was replaced by Michał Oleksiejczuk.

April 22, 2023: Defeated Brad Tavares at UFC Fight Night 222

On April 22, 2023, Bruno Silva faced Brad Tavares at UFC Fight Night 222 and won the fight via technical knockout in the first round, earning his third Performance Of The Night award.

June 24, 2023: Lost to Brendan Allen at UFC on ABC 5

On June 24, 2023, Bruno Silva faced Brendan Allen at UFC on ABC 5 and lost the bout in the first round via a rear-naked choke submission.

October 21, 2023: Lost to Shara Magomedov at UFC 294

On October 21, 2023, Bruno Silva faced Shara Magomedov at UFC 294 and lost the bout via unanimous decision.

March 30, 2024: Defeat Against Chris Weidman Overturned

On March 30, 2024, Bruno Silva initially lost his fight against former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman at UFC on ESPN 54 after a third-round TKO stoppage. However, the fight was later overruled to a technical unanimous decision win for Weidman because Silva was poked in both eyes, leading to his fall. Silva's appeal was unsuccessful.