Anderson Silva says knockouts weren’t allowed in Chael Sonnen boxing exhibition

SAO PAULO — When Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen went the distance in a five-round boxing exhibition Saturday night in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the match drew online criticism for a lack of aggressiveness from both competitors.

Silva spoke with the media shortly after the bout and was asked about the backlash.

“It was an exhibition match, and as an exhibition match, it wasn’t allowed knockouts, it was a match with no [winner],” Silva said. “It was an exhibition and I believe we put on a good show.”

National Boxing Council Brazil president Geyza Caryny told MMA Fighting in the lead-up to the event that Silva vs. Sonnen would be an exhibition but a winner would still be announced. Both fighters had their hands raised in the end.

“It was incredible, it was much more than I expected,” Silva said. “It was great to be able to put on this show for the people and my fans, to share this spot with my son [Kalyl Silva], who was a baby and already followed me, so I’m very happy,”

Silva said he plans on returning to Bahia, where he trained with boxing coach Luiz Dorea for Spaten Fight Night, to continue preparing for his next assignment.

“I have a [boxing] match in Dubai that isn’t an exhibition,” Silva said. “There’s no date yet. We’re negotiating, and I can’t say who the opponent is yet or [my manager] will kill me because the contract is in secrecy. It’s another big challenge in my life. A big challenge, indeed.”