Legend Anderson Silva Defeats Talented Chael Sonnen
Rising UFC star Chael Sonnen managed to do everything he set out to do at the start of the fight apart from win.
Pre-match hype was big around the fight but what transpired was one of the greatest competitive fights in UFC history.
Sonnen was massively impressive throughout the fight and there was no doubt he was dominating. Silva was down 40-34, 40-35, 40-36 on the judges’ score cards going into the fifth round but all it took was a small loss of concentration from Sonnen and the experienced Silva pounced.
He managed to manoeuvre a fantastic triangle/armbar combination and forced his opponent to tap out.
All Sonnen had to do was burry his face in the chest of Silva for 120 seconds and he would have been crowned as champion. However it could be looked on as inexperience or bravery, he keep on fighting to the end but this ended up being his down fall.
Sonnen said,
“I didn’t know how much time was left. I heard someone just reference that there was about a minute and ten seconds (left). I didn’t know that,” said Sonnen. “Frankly, you even get lost in what round it is. He hit me really hard a few times. You get a little disorientated. You’re just in the middle of a fistfight on a Saturday night.”
It was reported that Sonnen out struck Silva 289 to 29 which included an impressive 270 on the floor. This is even more impressive considering that Silva is renowned for his striking and goes to show how well Sonnen fought
It was a great showing by Sonnen but this is the eighth time in his career he has lost in such a manner and it is something he is going to have to address if he is to become one of the greats in the sport.
The nature and result of the fight meant there was talk of a rematch almost immediately after the fight was finished.
Dana White president of the UFC agreed that the sudden ending of the fight could warrant a rematch but did not want to commit to anything.
The problem for Sonnen is Vitor Belfort was originally scheduled to fighting Silva but had to withdraw due to a shoulder injury. He was promised a title shot and it likely he will be next in line to face Silva.
