50-Year-Old ‘Spider’ Still Favored Over Woodley

UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva is 50 years old.

That number may come as a bit of a shock, as “The Spider” feels downright ageless sometimes even as the clock continues to tick on. Somehow, it’s been more than 12 years since Silva’s record-setting title reign ended at the hands of Chris Weidman and a full five years since his final UFC appearance versus Uriah Hall. Even his clash versus Jake Paul — the last time Silva was really in the combat sports limelight — was more than three years ago, though Silva did have an exhibition boxing match with Chael Sonnen just last year (highlights here).

All this is to say: it’s been a long, long time since Silva was at the top of his game, which makes it somewhat surprising he’s opened as a minor favorite over Tyron Woodley. It’s been a few years since “T-Wood” was at the top of the game as well, but the former UFC Welterweight champion is still seven years younger than his opponent.

Despite the age advantage, SportsBetting.ag lists Silva as the -165 favorite against Woodley’s +128. The odds are reasonably close, so there’s conceivably money to be made on either man … assuming you have some sort of greater understanding regarding just how washed each former champion is in the year 2025. Originally, Silva was expected to box former foe Weidman, but an injury to the “All-American” has prevented that booking for the time being.

Instead, it will be two former Jake Paul foes fighting on the Paul vs. Anthony Joshua undercard. All the boxing mayhem will be going down next month (Dec. 19, 2025) from Miami, Florida … assuming there isn’t any more last minute chaos.

Anyone tempted to make a wager?