Picking and Choosing Anderson Silva's Opponents
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2009 12:36 AM EDT
in News
120 comments
I've sat and watched the debate over Anderson's performance, and I have a strong view, but I don't want to get into that debate here. I don't know why he performed the way he did, there could be any number of reasons. Maybe he's bored, maybe he was trying to mock Leites, maybe he didn't want to hurt a fellow Brazilian, maybe he's mad about his contract, maybe he's mad he can't fight Roy Jones, maybe he cut too much weight...the list goes on, none of us know, so speculation is just that.
What I do know is they picked Thales Leites over Yushin Okami because they were afraid Okami would be a boring fight, and Leites has never been a cautious fighter. Talk about your all-time backfires, and maybe they deserve it. Either way, the victim here remains Yushin Okami, who is simply not going to get a title shot any time soon. After last night, they aren't going to risk damaging their brand like that again.
After last night's show, a friend of mine that loves the UFC but isn't as hardcore of a fan as I am told me he will "never pay to see Anderson Silva again unless it's against someone awesome." This is the predicament the UFC is in. They have no good fights for him at 185, and a loss at 205 only damages the 185 title. It looks like Dana is ready to risk it though based on his comments.
I don't think they're going to put someone with a large and marketable future in Anderson's way, so I think we can rule out Quinton Jackson, Shogun, Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, and even Brandon Vera. Basically, it will be a young star or someone near the end. There are also a few nice fights at middleweight, but a few can now be ruled out. Here are the most likely contenders for the next Anderson Silva fight.
Luiz Cane: This would be a nice fight, Cane has no fear and would force Anderson to fight, but I don't see him as a serious threat. Cane just takes way too much damage in fights. He's a tough guy, I don't think he'd really even be able to hit Silva. It's a tough fight to book given Silva's PPV bonus, but they may have to eat one on the chin to get him back in form.
Wanderlei Silva: I think this is likely if Wanderlei beats Rich Franklin. If he knocks Rich out, I think it becomes very likely, as that is an easy way to justify the fight. They could do it at either weight. I honestly don't want to see this unless Wand destroys Franklin, which I find very unlikely.
Demian Maia: The likelihood of this fight happening soon went through the floor last night. The last thing they want to do is put him in with another brazillian jits guy who can't hang standing. Maia's road to a shot just got longer.
Michael Bisping: If he beats Dan Henderson, which I give him a decent shot of doing given Henderson's weak performances at 185, this is probably going to happen this year. They will be in no rush to give Anderson another fight after last night, he will probably hurt the next PPV he's on. I don't see how Bisping can possibly win here, but at least he is a name.
Houston Alexander: Just kidding.
Georges St. Pierre: This is the fight everyone wants to see. I know some fans have objections, but this is a huge fight, and Anderson will have to improve his wrestling about 10 times over to be able to stay off his back. GSP has a very hard fight in July, but if he wins I think Anderson is up next.
Tito Ortiz: Odds are he still ends up back at UFC. Honestly, this is a dark horse, but my favorite option. He's a big name, can draw interest, and poses an interesting stylistic challenge to Silva. A win could completely relaunch his career, and a win for Silva would be very impressive too.
Who do you think Anderson Silva should fight?
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Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre...
In Montreal…do you know how fast that would sell out? The canadians will kill to see GSP throw down with him, and GSP will push the pace for sure. And if they won’t make this fight, Wand if he beats franklin, at MW of course. At LHW, Cane or Jardine seems appropriate. Later I’d like to see Shogun-Silve.
by kyfm621 on Apr 20, 2009 12:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
having it in montreal would be a good idea..
i think the way silva could be a draw if he gets a floyd mayweather type of image.. In montreal, he’d be the immensely talented fighter people would pay to see get beat up..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah.
And I can see the countdown show, showing the clip where in the Leites fight they chanted “GSP! GSP! GSP!” Oh yes…this fight would sell…and Anderson will definately get up for the challenge.
by kyfm621 on Apr 20, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes yes yes.. make it happen peoples..
if its not a big fight at 205, this is pretty much the only fight at 185 that im want to see next..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From a business perspective...
Zuffa can rest assured this would be another sell out crowd in montreal. Even in Vegas.
by kyfm621 on Apr 20, 2009 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think feeding an undefeated up-and-comer like Cane to Silva is a great idea.
If he’s moving up to 205, I’d like to see him fight something like the loser of Griffin/Silva or Evans if he loses to Machida. I guess I could get behind Wandy if he beats Franklin too.
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Apr 20, 2009 12:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GSP
The mob has spoken.
Keep firing Assholes!
by Ubernoober on Apr 20, 2009 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i think the obvious fight at 205 is jardine.. a legit top 10 fighter who will surely stand with him..
at 185.. i’d like to see him against GSP.. that would make him motivated to defend his belt i bet.. GSP would like to take it to the ground here, but for sure, he wont be flopping around standing..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 12:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with Jardine – make it happen Captain
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Apr 20, 2009 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I was thinking this too. But Greg Jackson might gameplan it so that Jardine does not engage as that appears to be where Silva looks his worst.
by SamCupitt on Apr 20, 2009 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and i aplaud you rome for not starting another debate on this..
i’ve been wanting/hoping that people talk about something else other than the performance..
i dont know about the other people, but having the same debates over and over for 10237134 threads gets pretty tiring..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 12:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Am I the only one who...
Thinks a Primetime show for a Wanderlei-Anderson title fight would just be sick? If they continue to beef like this, that would be great hype, and Anderson can attempt to cure his image…some trash talk and an opponent who will stand and trade is just what Anderson needs.
by kyfm621 on Apr 20, 2009 12:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it would be entertaining.. especially to the casuals.. but it would be pretty one sided too..
and rome is right, unless wandy beats franklin via devastating KO, i wouldn’t think this would be competitive..
but i actually think franklin ruins this matchup..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree…(sigh)…But who knows? Wandy can make this work, it’s up to him. And competitive is a word casuals are unfamiliar with…but they should know that Wandy+Spider = fireworks…and right now, fireworks are exactly what the spider needs.
by kyfm621 on Apr 20, 2009 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have been wanting Anderson to fight Tito for a long time now – I think this is the best option.
Lyoto should have capitalized on this opportunity but he didn’t – Anderson can
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Apr 20, 2009 12:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
tito wont get signed.. and even if he does, i bet he gets KOed bad..
but i’d surely watch it. :)
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see GSP....
get his ass handed to him by Silva. I also like the Tito option.
I’d like to see Wand fight Silva too, that’d def give him some action, but I don’t see Wand getting past Rich.
by Dexerion on Apr 20, 2009 12:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Anderson Silva really does fight up (or down) to the level of his opposition then GSP would be the obvious choice. Personally I would like to see him fight Wanderlei Silva at 185 for the belt. They could develop a nice rivalry and Wanderlei Silva isn’t going to play fainting goat and he isn’t going to allow Anderson SIlva to fight safe either. The way Nate Marquart has been fighting I think he could get back on that list too, I can’t see that one being boring.
by who me on Apr 20, 2009 12:59 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I think Marquardt vs Silva 2 would be a great fight. And you know Nate is itching to fight for the title again. I see this as an option more likely than Wandy. Other than Marquardt, I see Bisping vs Silva once Bisping rolls through Henderson.
by goodbones on Apr 20, 2009 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
after a superfight at 205, or against gsp..
i’d like to see bisping vs silva too (if when bisping wins).. In england.. (he’d still be the bad guy and he’d still get the floyd mayweather treatment there..)
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
With the way the last 2 fights have gone, I honestly think wandy or bisping would be the best.
They’ve both already started talking trash, and will continue to talk trash if the fight gets signed, which may piss anderson off enough to stop trying to prove he can go 5 rounds, and prove to us that he can kill someone in 40 seconds again.
Besides that, they’ll bring the fight to Anderson, which will force him to switch into ballet of violence mode, as opposed to whatever the hell has happened the last 2 times out.
by Phildo on Apr 20, 2009 12:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why do people think that Bisping would bring the fight to Anderson? He was very conservative in his last fight with Leben.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Apr 20, 2009 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see a fight with GSP having any chance of being a dud. Maybe Anderson, like everyone else, is disdainful the UFC matching him up against sub par fighters.
I dislike Matt Hughes.
by MonkeyCHops on Apr 20, 2009 1:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GSP would be the most competitive.
Tito would be the most profitable.
Alexander would be the quickest.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on Apr 20, 2009 1:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i disagree.. GSP in canada might just be the most profitable..
tito would come at a close second place..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought they would’ve hyped GSP/Ando or laid the groundwork for MTL seeing how Dana brought it up before 97.
by bigweeze on Apr 20, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
with Hiro as his cornerman?? BOOK IT
by beersnbroads on Apr 20, 2009 2:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hiro wouls destroy AS
Nothing beats the ability to stop time and throw waffles….
by rainmaker6 on Apr 20, 2009 3:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not unless sylar takes silva's form and takes hiro's power..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 3:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sylar hasn’t been able to touch Hiro yet, I doubt it.
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Apr 20, 2009 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe looking like silva would distract hiro..
Hiro would ask sylar for an autograph then he’d slash his head open! haha. :)
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Silva vs. GSP
is a potential 2-3 fight series.
I’d pay to see them fight 2 or 3 times.
The Bird is the Word.
by IHateMMA on Apr 20, 2009 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
rome it works! no blamegame debate here! haha! :)
i released the funnybone contest results a bit earlier hoping it would get people distracted for a while and talk about something different, but it didnt work haha.
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 1:11 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GSP is the only option in my mind. On top of it probably being the most competitive and lucrative option, it also gives the welterweight division a little extra time to build up some challengers for GSP upon his return if he loses (or heirs if he wins).
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on Apr 20, 2009 1:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I was going to say the same thing about Maia. I think he will now have to fight Marquardt to get that title shot.
I really don’t think Okami would be that boring of a fight. Sure he’s boring against other dudes, but thats because they can’t deal with what he is doing which is just grinding you into dust.
But yeah ultimately I want to see Silva at 205 yet as a fill-in fight before fighting Bisping if he beats Henderson or GSP if he beats Alves.lol Bring in Ricardo Arona.
by SamCupitt on Apr 20, 2009 2:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
After his last fight...
Nate Marquardt. I want to see some more Street Fighter IV highlights in the ring. He won’t fight cautious, and I believe that he is a completely different fighter than he was the last time he fought Silva.
Let Greg Jackson figure Silva out.
by gocjeffe on Apr 20, 2009 2:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe the 2nd time will be the charm.
by SamCupitt on Apr 20, 2009 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it wasn’t for some silly infractions you have to wonder if it would of been Nate Marquardt instead of Thales Leites this time around.
by who me on Apr 20, 2009 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Surpised there has been no Yoshihiro Akiyama sexy jokes yet.
by who me on Apr 20, 2009 2:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Anderson’s next opponent is:
SOME TOUGH LOVE!
He is too much of a liability at this point… just mentioning his name and you can here the wallets shut.
Not going to be GSP… if he beats GSP – the second biggest UFC star just lost to now the least attractive champion of this time…
In order to become a ppv draw you need lots of seasoning and Anderson just threw all his away.
How many fights did chuck have before he was a draw? how many did GSP have? Couture? Brock was the VERY rare exception to the rule…
Anderson would have eventually got to being a decent draw – and he would have made more in his last 3 fights in MMA than 7 or 8 title fights combined. That is all gone.
If I were his PR agent I would get him to demand fights on free TV to make up for this foolishness – and once he wins back the fans then we can start again.
At this time he needs tough love – He’ll get fights at 205 on overseas cards where he’s not the main feature and if he doesnt like it the contract will extend.
TOUGH LOVE MOTHER FUCKER.
He has become too much of a liability now… what he’s doing makes no sense. He has no ppv appeal for a RJJ fight.
There’s something else and I’ve worked in corporate espionage for way too long not to smell this shit… He is getting some sort of “Dont Engage” or “Dont finish” bonus from someone on the outside.
And once I confirm who this is – Im going to eat this fuckers children.
by mmalogic on Apr 20, 2009 2:09 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I love how 1.5 fights of questionable tactics completely erases his first 7 fights in the UFC and makes him the “least attractive champion of this time.”
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
by Mike Fagan on Apr 20, 2009 2:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At this time, probably. OF THIS time, dramatic.
by beersnbroads on Apr 20, 2009 2:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
your only as good as your last fight isn’t that how the saying goes
by drano on Apr 20, 2009 3:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually for me, the least attractive champ AT THIS TIME, is frank mir.. or bj penn..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 3:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and dont get me wrong, im a HUGE bj fan..
his loss coupled with the whining, kinda made him lose a bit of luster for me.. ALSO, i think both are great, and they are “attractive” champs in my opinion, just not as “attractive” as the others.. and NO not attractive physically..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 3:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BJ Penn is an attractive champ in that he is the best lightweight champ and has the balls to fight anyone is another weight class – that’s why he’s my favorite fighter
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Apr 20, 2009 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It also ignores the value of being a great heel.
Beating GSP will make people hate him enough to see him lose. Its the wrestling style of promotion applied to MMA. They could sell that fight at least twice.
by zeroword on Apr 20, 2009 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The “Dont engage” bonus seems like a bit of a stretch. But I somewhat agree with you. I remember thinking to myself that ever since he won the belt, his celebratory jump on the cage or kung-fu antics seemed a bit like acting. Maybe its my psych degree kickin in with the overanalysis of behavior, but it has reaked to me for a while that he just doesnt give a shit. Yay, i won… whered I leave that big mac?
It looked like in his head he was having a chill sparring session with his past 2 opponents. Nothing too powerful, overly relaxed movement, throwing unorthodox moves for fun rather than for damage. Anytime people mention his use of a gameplan it seems to me that they don’t really get him. I like to think that I can read people fairly well and Anderson is not one for a gameplan. And lately (since Irvin), the man has been a legendary sparring partner, not a legendary fighter.
by beersnbroads on Apr 20, 2009 2:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much does Zuffa pay for “corporate espionage” agents these days?
To me it just looks like Anderson is being a dick because UFC keeps putting unworthy challengers like Cote and Leites in with him. How is he supposed to become a bigger draw with no rivals? He has PPV points in hand and no big fights to make them worth anything.
by smoogy on Apr 20, 2009 4:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course, making thousands of people across the country scream they never want to see you fight again isn’t exactly helping.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2009 4:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. He seems to be acting like he has given up on his future in MMA, or at least the UFC. With Chuck out of the picture, there aren’t really any guys he can do a heat transfer off of for the sake of his own drawing power.
by smoogy on Apr 20, 2009 4:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
How is he supposed to become a bigger draw with no rivals?
Um, by knocking the guys out who stand in front of him … perhaps? Just knock ’em the fuck out.
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill
by FlyByKnight on Apr 20, 2009 4:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If his goal is to become a bigger draw and make more money then he sure is going about it the wrong way, perhaps our Anderson SIlva was replaced with Bizzaro Anderson Silva?
by who me on Apr 20, 2009 4:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think jon jones would be a great matchup at 205 jones has that unpredictable striking and his greco roman would be interesting to see against Anderson’s clinch
by drano on Apr 20, 2009 2:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No
I don’t want to see Jon Jones get his ass handed too him so early in his career. That boy needs some winnable fights for the time being.
by rainmaker6 on Apr 20, 2009 3:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
me too..
let the guy develop more before letting his ass get handed to him so early in his career..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 3:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weve already seen Silva vs ortiz.. it was called machida vs ortiz and it ended in an “elusive” decision
by pandaboy99 on Apr 20, 2009 2:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
FEDOR
(surprised no one said it yet so I had to)
by beersnbroads on Apr 20, 2009 2:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Luiz Cane: You’re right, he’d force Silva to fight, but he’s undefeated. He’d get lit up by Silva and there’s no use in wasting the potential.
Wanderlei Silva: Definitely likely, though I personally don’t like it. They don’t like each other, which is always good for PPV, but I just don’t feel like seeing Wandy get brutalized and KO’d in the first round.
Demian Maia: Nope.
Michael Bisping: Probably by the end of the year, but again, I don’t really have an interest in seeing this.
Houston Alexander: Maybe if they made Silva fight with both hands tied behind his back. :)
Georges St. Pierre: As much as I am against seeing weight-classes get held up by a fighter jumping up to potentially hold two belts at once, I would still be up for seeing this, because I think GSP has the best shot to beat Silva.
Tito Ortiz: I’ve been saying this forever, and I’ll say it again: I’m still convinced he ends up with the UFC. I doubt he could make much more than what the UFC could offer, plus he is coming to the end of his career as well, and like it or not, the UFC is the premier MMA league, and the best place to end a legacy. I like this option the best, not because I hate Tito (which I kind of do) but because, as Rome put it, it could be “someone near the end.” Tito can still draw, and he can still put on a good show. Dude likes to entertain, so we can pretty much guarantee he’ll try to make Silva fight. It wouldn’t be like against Hendo, who got Silva to the ground and basically tried to smother him like a fat kid on a smartie. If Tito got Silva down, there’d be some real GnP. Can he get a hold of Silva before he ate too many punches? Probably not, but hey, let’s make it happen and find out. Do it, Zuffa! :)
by pud333 on Apr 20, 2009 3:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Houston Alexander: Maybe if they made Silva fight with both hands tied behind his back. :)
LOL!
by The Bronzeville Bully on Apr 20, 2009 3:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its hard to believe hes going to a promotion that doesnt allow elbows on the ground.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2009 4:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point..
plus he suggested in the strikeforce conference that he is willing to fight for less than 150k per fight.. and i think the ufc could give him that money..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 4:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did??? I was at that press conference and remember nothing of the sort.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2009 5:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its the part where coker said something like at first tito asked for a 150k per fight and a 5-6 fight deal.. then coker laughed and said something like “thats a lot of money tito”.. then tito said something like “well i was _ , before..” then he laughed..(i forgot the exact word but its something like saying he was idealistic, naive or something before..)
it kinda suggests that he’s willing to take less than that.. and i guess the UFC can pay that money easily..
and again those are not the exact words.. but i do remember him asking for 150k and suggesting he’s willing to work for less.
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 5:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats really odd, I was there the whole time and don’t remember that at all. Is there video of this? If not I’m inclined to say false report, I would remember it.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2009 5:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/4/12/831708/tito-ortiz-talks-contracts-at
after watching the video, when coker said, “at that time” i originally thought that he meant, when tito was a free agent (after machida), but now i think maybe i misunderstood it or something, maybe he meant wayyyyy wayyyy wayyyy before when mma was starting to boom..
not so sure though.. the sound wasn’t all that clear, but the conversation was how i remembered it 150k 5-6 fight deal..and tito said that “before, he was thinking big” i just am not sure about the context of what coker meant about the story..
i probably misunderstood it at first though. sorry bout that..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 6:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure if Tito would want this fight unless he has something gain it, unless it’s for the belt (assuming he can cut to 185, which I actually heard he can do it at no prob).
by The Bronzeville Bully on Apr 20, 2009 3:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Silva vs. Ortiz would happen at 205
"My job is a decision-making job, and as a result, I make a lot of decisions." --George W. Bush, The Decider, Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 3, 2007
by lovingmma25 on Apr 20, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d like to hear people make an educated argument as to why Demian Maia shouldn’t get the next title shot. And I don’t wanna hear any of this rubbish that he’d fight the same fight Leites did.
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill
by FlyByKnight on Apr 20, 2009 3:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Because Maia hasn't beat a contender yet
Maia needs one more fight at least, probably against Marquadt but I would prefer it to be against Leites.
by rainmaker6 on Apr 20, 2009 3:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno about him needing one more fight to be ready. He’s 5-0 in the UFC. He’s finished all five fights and has won four Submission of the Night honors. He submitted the WEC Middleweight Champion inside of three minutes. And, yes, I know Sonnen didn’t have the belt but the only reason that happened was because Filho failed to make weight. Not Sonnen’s problem. Maia has ran through five people. Only one guy made it out of the second round and he got tooled hard late in that fight. He’s already a fan favorite. Listen to the ovations he gets wherever he fights, it’s insane for a guy who is just jits specialist. According to FightMatrix, Maia is the second ranked Middleweight in the world behind Silva. I think that’s pretty much accurate. Maia has finished nine of his ten fights, is undefeated, and is riding a wave of amazing success that hasn’t been seen since the days of Royce Gracie. Bill him as the next Royce and let them go at it.
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill
by FlyByKnight on Apr 20, 2009 3:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not saying he's not good
But Chael Sonnen doesn’t count as a contender. Luis Cane also beat a WEC Champ last night…..don’t see anyone pulling him for a title shot…..
My point is Maia needs to beat at least 1 elite fighter before he should get a title shot. In my mind the elite guys at MW are Marquadt, Leites, Bisping, Henderson. Elite is obviously a subjective term but I don’t think anyone would include Sonnen in that category.
I would say Machida got his title shot due to beating Tito and Thiago. (and also the fact that Rampage was injured). Maia needs to do the same.
I’m a huge fan…don’t get me wrong.
by rainmaker6 on Apr 20, 2009 4:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
its simple.. its just because people dont want to see it yet for fear that a leites repeat might happen..
it may be unjustified because they are different fighters, but i dont think the UFC will want to put a one dimensional jits guy against silva right away..
maybe after fighting at 205 or a match up against gsp, just to rid people of the awful taste they left us in his last fight..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 3:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it may be unjustified because they are different fighters, but i dont think the UFC will want to put a one dimensional jits guy against silva right away..
It’s not that they’re different fighters but they have two entirely different styles of jiu-jitsu. Leites has that top-game jiu-jitsu pedigree whereas Maia is straight nasty from anywhere in the octagon. He gets it done. Simple as that. Maia doesn’t have to shoot for takedowns to get a guy to the ground. He can pull guard, sweep, judo throw, and do anything else it takes to get the fight to the ground. He’s not like Leites who has to constantly shoot in. That’s where they’re different. I’d rather watch Maia pull guard and work his technique for five rounds than what we saw Saturday night. And I’m pretty sure everyone else would too.
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill
by FlyByKnight on Apr 20, 2009 3:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, putting Alexander in there with Silva could be a good thing…
Sure, it has all the makings of a brutal beating followed by a KO that makes everyone cringe – but it might also give Silva some of that cold-blooded killer aura that he has lost in his last two fights. You might even be able to push Houston to a degree on the fact that he KTFO’ed Keith Jardine.
by lhasafi on Apr 20, 2009 3:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Bader… Tell him just to l’n’pray.
Jardine always gives people fits.
Forrest Griffin would be sweet but hes fighting T. Silva
Idk tough call. Marquardt 2 or Bisping for MW would be decent
A really big strong wrestler with a size advantage would probably be the ideal opponent if you wanted to beat him. Was thinking Matt Hamill but he has become a kickboxer.
by Sokonojudo on Apr 20, 2009 3:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The fanboy in me desperately wants to see Wanderlei fight him but the realist in me is aware it’d probably end with Wand having his lights shut out again.
by rabrown on Apr 20, 2009 3:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Seeing as this is the likely result of all future Wand matches, I don’t mind it too much.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2009 3:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m curious to see how he’ll do against Rich.
by Sokonojudo on Apr 20, 2009 3:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m holding out hope that you’re wrong. Cro Cop, Rampage and Hendo all throw with the kind of power that could knock out a bull. Rich doesn’t have heavy hands. If he can knock Silva out I’d be concerned with letting him fight again.
by rabrown on Apr 20, 2009 4:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm hoping you're wrong too
but my brain keeps telling me that you’re right.
Wand is like Chuck….his time is past. Absorbed too much damage and been KTFO too many times to recover and come back again.
by rainmaker6 on Apr 20, 2009 4:09 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
After much consideration......
I spent a 2 hour round trip drive today considering these issues. The analysis that is missing as to why AS performed the way he did relates to his age. He is getting older and simply does not want to take any unneccessary punishment. Older fighters to tend to get more cautious about their bodies. After watching the fight again, sober and dispassionaltely, my perception has changed to be a bit more understanding to the Spider. However, there is no escaping that he did the minimum neccessary to walk out with his dignity intact.
Cane would be a far better opponent that you give him credit to be. He hits hard, has good range , and can take a helluva shot . He could have 20-35% probablilty of getting a Win over AS. Bisping and Wandy are lower while Hendo and Marquardt are also in the 20-35% range IMO. Maia should have at least 1 more fight as he seems to be improving rapidly. IN shor.t no one at 185 will have the odds on their side but Hendo, Marquardt, and possibly Maia could make it interesting. As others have illustrated more posssibilities open up at 205 of course. I think As should fight Marquardt ( or a LW like Cane as a BONUS fight on the Portland card.) I dont really love the idea of GSP jumping weight classes but if that’s how he wants to challenge himself then so be it. I do think it makes more sense for him to defend 5 times consequetively 1st. And lets keep it real. GSP has a Welterweight’s body!
Anyway, we should all watch the fights again with our expectations lower and then if need be we can circulate a petition demanding a championship bout on free TV.
By the way, I fucking hit a 9 team parlay last night. (personal best) I only put 5$ but it paid about 2 hun.
by naturalist on Apr 20, 2009 4:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Belfort could possibly be in the 20-35% chance of victory range. His ass needs to get back in a octogon where it belongs.
by naturalist on Apr 20, 2009 4:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He is a guaranteed KO from Silva, and so is Cane. People don’t realize that Leites never even had any hope standing, it was ridiculous. He has been competitive standing with everyone he’s fought till now, and would probably hang with Belfort and Cane well enough to open up a takedown game. Anderson’s striking is so far above everyone in that division that it becomes a joke. Belfort would go down swinging very early.
by Michael Rome on Apr 20, 2009 5:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, i think everyone did realize that Leites never had any hope standing. Cane and Blefort are far superior strikers to TL. Superior in power, range, and thechnique. At least they could land some leather on the champ before and AFTER the takedown. You’ve noticed AS has been taken down in 2 of his last 3 fights. Someone who has the power and top control to do some damage would make things interesting.
by naturalist on Apr 20, 2009 5:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yoshihiro Akiyama, if he looks good in his ufc fight. he was knock out power and judo and nate looked real good in his last fight.
by tortilla287 on Apr 20, 2009 5:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Akiyama
I love the dude – but he would get fuct up by Silva…..
by rainmaker6 on Apr 20, 2009 7:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What NO love for Vitor?? I like to see Kazuo Misaki fight him.
by Baki_hanma on Apr 20, 2009 5:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What about Mousasi? Shogun?
Two dangerous opponents for Silva.
by nalcapone on Apr 20, 2009 6:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
shogun just started rolling again.. no need to end things right away. haha. ;)
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 6:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’d be even better next time around. But Shogun needs a break right now.
Maybe in December.
No. 1 contender for the UFC LHW-title: Spider Silva vs. Shogun Rua
by nalcapone on Apr 20, 2009 6:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
if lyoto becomes champ silva wont even consider going for the title..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 6:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But if he doesn’t? He has to beat Evans first, and then Rampage. Even a Machida can lose.
by nalcapone on Apr 20, 2009 6:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
im not so sure..
even wayyyy before machida got a title shot.. silva already said something like, im going to 205 but i wont go for the title because that is lyoto’s title..
so i guess as long as lyoto is a contender in LHW he wont really gun for the title..
if he still thinks that way, all i can hope for is good fights for him even if not for the title.. jardine, vera, thiago silva, GSP, and even couture, etc would still be good..
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 6:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Machida becomes champion, Silva can only fight guys who are not in the title picuture at 205. That means no Shogun, no Rampage. Only boring fights, you mentioned some of them.
Couture would be interesting, but he will be 46 years old by the time they fight. Are you serious?
There only GSP and the hope that Machida doesn’t become champion.
by nalcapone on Apr 20, 2009 6:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you may think it is boring, but silva fighting a fringe fighter in james irvin got people interested.. The fact that a champion would dip his toes on a different weight class is always interesting.. but granted he already did that, i think it’s time to fight bigger contenders..
and again, as i said earlier, even if machida loses, as long as he’s still in the title picture, i dont think silva would want to gun for the title.
even if he doesn’t want the title, he could still fight legit top ten fighters that aren’t in the immediate title picture..
he could fight shogun (but i doubt the ufc would want to take that risk because they are probably setting him up for a 2010 title shot..)
he could fight jardine (even if he isn’t a fan favorite, he’s a legit top 10)
a couture fight, even at 46 would still sell.. (im not saying its not a mismatch, but it would sell)
there’s also wanderlei who he could fight at either weight..
there’s tito (thats a big money fight right there, if he gets signed)
by Anton Tabuena on Apr 20, 2009 6:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Moving up and down weight-classes is annoying. That’s why Silva vs. Jardine would be boring to me. He can knock out Jardine in round one, I don’t care as long as he goes back to 185 again.
Shogun can beat Silva. Let’s not forget, Shogun was Anderson Silva a few years ago. So if Machida loses I’d really let Silva and Shogun get it on.
at 185… Silva and Wanderlei seem to have a feud, but to me this is all show. I’m not interested to see Wanderlei fight again.
by nalcapone on Apr 20, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah I think Titos days in the UFC are over.
He has a better shot at beating Babalu and capturing gold around his waist again on free TV than beating Silva. Tito also said he wants a tune up fight b4 he gets thrown in there with a big name. I say throw Tito in there with Seth Petruzelli. He supposedly is the Kimbo slayer and has that going for him as far as marketing but I think Tito takes him out easily. Perfect buildup for a Babalu/Feijao vs Tito.
I was watching the Machida/Tito fight last night on UFC Unleashed and Tito still has a ton of fans. They were chanting his name through out that fight and would go crazy when he had some action going on. Especially on that triangle/armbar at the end.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2009 8:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
and would go crazy when he had some action going on. Especially on that triangle/armbar at the end.
Especially Joe Rogan, he literally freaked out. lol!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the internet is going wild and its hilarious. someone paying off anderson to only sort of demolish chumps? the answer is luis cane? omg cmon now. do any of you dudes actually think cane/anderson sells to anyone that won’t buy anderson/maia or other middleweight can? tito ortiz??? why don’t we just debate how big anderson/yoshida would be. or how about lee murray/anderson silva from a undisclosed location in the saharan desert? lolol
real talk: anderson gets a percentage of ppv, right? someone here want to tell me why he’s gonna give that up? dont tell me its for future gains. any smart manager knows the next fight could be his last, and theyd be doing their dude bad to not get their fighter the most amount of money next time he fights, every time. judging by the way anderson fights, hes pretty smart and knows something about risk too. they definitely aint gonna sit him when the ufc is desperate to fill ppv cards. either dana can offer him a lot more money up front or keep dishing him new cans like maia or reruns like marqhardt and henderson because there isn’t anything else they can do that wouldnt make them a laughingstock of the sports world. that is it, end of story.
and also dudes; its a real sport. boring things happen from time to time. get used to it. if the ufc can’t survive a couple guys fighting to win rather than purely to entertain then maybe it wasn’t meant to last
by nigelzackit on Apr 20, 2009 8:57 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The UFC's matchmaking for Anderson is a huge part of this problem.
They need to put someone in there that feels like they should be the champ and Anderson shouldn’t.
I’d put Marquardt in next. He’s hungry and has something to prove. He is skilled enough in all parts of the game to be a danger and can push the pace against the Spider.
Next, should be the winner of the Hendo v Bisping with the UFC probably hoping like hell that Hendo wins. Bisping’s style might lead to a Cote like fight, and I serious wonder if the Brit sees himself as a worthy contender yet.
Lastly, the UFC should groom Okami with some T.V. time against opponents that are either going to enhance his prestige with fans or knock him out of contention completely. I think a fight with him would motivate Anderson because of their history.
If Dana is unhappy, and he should be, he needs to start throwing guys in there that can end the problem one way or another…by either removing the champ or forcing him to live up to his potential.
by Razreshat on Apr 20, 2009 9:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes to
Marquardt!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Apr 20, 2009 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
NICK DIAZ
Diaz’ relentless, swarming punching style and competent groundgame would make for a competitive fight. The added pressure from his style would test Silva’s head movement, exercise his counterpunching and provide a show on the ground.
Book it !!
by cyke on Apr 20, 2009 1:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I woudn’t mind seeing this. Especially if Diaz talks trash and gets Silva mad.
Yeah, who got the final Death Blow? 'Cause I thought that Hawaiian guy had it comin' to him. - C. K.
by monkeyfightclub! on Apr 20, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
First and foremost if GSP can get through Alves i would love to see GSP vs. Anderson Silva. But in the mean time i would like to see Silva Fight again soon and in the 205 class. He took virtually no damage in his fight against Lietes. There are three oppenents who dont have up coming fights set in stone and they are Shogun, Jardine and Vera. All three of them like to strike and all three have are top 205ers. I think anderson should fight on of them i would choose Shogun as my first option followed by vera. I think then Anderson should drop back down to fight GSP and then move back up and fighter for the 205 pound title.
by Matt13 on Apr 20, 2009 1:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I was going to ask why is Tito in there but then I forgot that Silva wants to take fights at 205 and I too think Tito will end up re-signing with the UFC. I would pick Tito by UD.
by The Legend on Apr 20, 2009 1:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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