UFC: Anderson Silva - Legacy Or Fallacy?
The insertion of Chael Sonnen as the next contender for Silvas Middleweight Title seemed to provide a spark in Silvas game again. The cocky and fearless Sonnen talked a big game heading into UFC 117, and he backed it up. Silva had only lost one round in the UFC to that point (against Dan Henderson in 2008) and was taken to task by Sonnen for four rounds of combat. UFC fans finally saw Silva put in a situation where he was at a disadvantage and have to persevere. There was finally a dent in the armor of the untouchable fighter.
After four rounds of being taken down at will and suffering damage from Sonnens ground and pound attack, Silva was able to lure the Oregon wrestler into a 5th round triangle submission. It was later revealed that Silva was fighting with a rib injury, which may have explained the ease in which Sonnen was able to dominate him. Regardless, UFC 117 became a huge turning point in Silvas career. He had finally been met with adversity inside the octagon and was able to prevail when his back was against the wall. At the 11th hour, with numbers against him, he found a way to win. These are the moments that truly great athletes are capable of.
It was after his performance versus Chael Sonnen that Anderson Silva returned to the form that earned him his notoriety at the start of his UFC career. Silva would claim a first round KO victory over UFC veteran Vitor Belfort in his next fight, then go on to dominate Yushin Okami, a rematch with Chael Sonnen, and Ultimate Fighter Season One Finalist Stephan Bonnar, each within two rounds. The arguably best pound-for-pound fighter it the world was back to utilizing his skills to demonstrate his worth as being considered a legend of the sport.
Next in line to challenge the champion would be budding star Chris Weidman.
Weidman was riding an enormous winning streak heading into UFC 162. At an impressive 9-0 and having won five straight UFC Middleweight contests to that point, The All American was the most logical challenger to Silvas title. A feather in Weidmans cap as well was his ability to combine superior wrestling skills with finishing capabilities. Three of his five UFC victories at that time were ended by submission or KO. Furthermore, many MMA analysts and fellow fighters were coming out in droves to predict that Weidman actually would be the man to dethrone Silva. They all cited issues with Silva getting older or discussed Silvas struggles with capable amateur wrestlers. Whatever the technical reasoning was, there was a buzz about Weidman heading into the fight that hadnt been felt since Silva fought Sonnen at UFC 117.
Back in that living room, we all sat anxiously and watched the entrances for both men. After the announcements by Bruce Buffer the fight was underway. Weidman came out stoic and in concentration, whereas Silva came out loose and half-interested. The first round was as much of a show as it was a personification of Silvas UFC career. The Spider was tested on takedowns and was caught briefly in a submission, but able to overcome and stand his ground. After a short feeling out process of striking, Silva became comfortable and the antics began. He dropped his hands, made gestures challenging Weidman to come after him, and feigned being hurt by any jabs that Weidman would make contact with.
At the end of the round there was a feeling of affirmation in the room that Silva had the fight in hand yet again. Some of us marveled at his quickness and showboating, others groaned that they just wasted money to watch Silva not actually fight again. Whichever sentiment it was, the feeling was clear that the spider had caught himself another fly.
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