Wanderlei Silva's Ten Second Last Stand Delivers Cure for Nostalgic Fans
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 6:07 PM EST
in MMA News
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Wanderlei Silva said it best during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan following his decision victory over Michael Bisping on Saturday night at UFC 110. Everyone has bad moments in their life. Unfortunately for Silva, he's had more than his fair share of bad results over the past four years.
He was absolutely dominated by a quicker Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic at PRIDE's 2006 Openweight Grand Prix, crushed by a devastating left hand from Dan Henderson at PRIDE 33, edged by Chuck Liddell in his UFC return at UFC 79, and put to shame in only 3:21 at UFC 92 by long-time rival Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. He also dropped an unanimous decision to Rich Franklin in his most recent loss at UFC 99 a little under a year ago.
While most fans would look at that number of losses as a significant indicator that Silva's time at the top has dwindled, the level of competition within that list is very high. "CroCop" was at the top of his game when their match-up occurred, Henderson remains one of the best in the world, Liddell was on a slight downturn in his career, and Jackson and Franklin continue to be considered elite-level fighters.
Silva has now been relegated to fighting some lesser competition, and some might say that he's the gatekeeper to taking on the best of the best. But Wanderlei Silva doesn't seem too keen on having a moniker that denotes him as a "gatekeeper".
As evident in Silva's pre-fight interview for his battle with Michael Bisping, the philosophy that was sold to the fans was that we would see the return of the ultra-aggressive Silva that exploded onto the scene in PRIDE and devastated his opponents. We managed to see glimmers of the style that created "The Axe Murderer" on Saturday night.
Unexpectedly, Silva's style was similar to his past fights. He was patient, maintained range, and tried to find openings in Bisping's defense. A style that some fans have been critical of because it doesn't take advantage of Silva's best attributes. Despite those feelings, Silva had a outing he should be proud of at UFC 110. His takedown defense was solid, his scrambling ability on the bottom was phenomenal, and his increase in quickness was noticeable.
A flurry on action at the end of round three overwhelmed Bisping and ended with a heavy overhand right that was reminiscent of highlight reels we've all seen in the past. Bisping may or may not have been out for a second, but it's tough to say Bisping would have survived the oncoming onslaught. Wanderlei Silva smelled blood once again, and it was beautiful to watch.
Silva is by no means going to contend for a title. He still has some weaknesses in his game that could be tough for him to overcome, but he continues to have immense power in his hands. As we all know, that's an attribute that can create chaos in terms of trying to figure out how a fight is going to turn out.
Silva is truly one of those fighters who can change a fight in a matter of seconds. But age is catching up with him. He may only have a few more years of fighting left in him, so let's all enjoy it while we can.
I can't say I was impressed by the performance, but for those final ten seconds of each round -- I was put back on the edge of my seat. That's all that I can ask from a PRIDE legend that sucked me into this sport years ago. Thank you, Wanderlei Silva.
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I don't mind his patience so much
But if he could make it the last minute, instead of the last ten seconds, he could really be a force again.
he was
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Anthony Pace on Feb 22, 2010 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Wow
Didn’t know that. As mentioned in a thread yesterday, I would like to see him take on the winner of Cote/Belcher.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" - Ben Franklin
that'd be a great fight with either one
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Anthony Pace on Feb 22, 2010 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Belcher’s defense is a little iffy, in my opinion. Wanderlei could bomb him.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
It'd be an entertaining fight
Belcher always brings it, and is an improving young fighter
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Anthony Pace on Feb 22, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
Remember what Jason Day did to Belcher?
This would be way worse. Belcher covers up too much and that’s what Silva loves…when someone leans against the fence and tries to cover up cause Wand will keep throwing until Belcher’s knees buckle and finish him off.
Either way…Silva will more than likely faces Akiyama
"To me, MMA is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography and the dancers hit each other."
by Buster Bluth on Feb 22, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Huh?
Most of that fight took place in Day’s guard, and Belcher only started backpeddling and covering up once he’d been hurt right at the end. I’m of the mind that he’s improved since then as evidenced by the great showing against Sexyama and his KO of Gouveia. I’d favor Silva, but I don’t think you can consider it a walkthrough.
Akiyama is the money match, though.
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Anthony Pace on Feb 22, 2010 3:18 PM EST up reply actions
Hmm... you would be right.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Reasons why you weren’t impressed by his performance? (no snark intended, we must figure out internet inflection!)
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
I really thought we’d see a bit more aggressiveness… but ultimately, Bisping never unloaded anything significant. And that might be his big problem. He seems to be content with this technical style of staying on the outside, and his defense isn’t great enough to stop these more aggressive guys in the pocket. Having minimal stopping power with a simple jab isn’t going to stop a guy like Wanderlei from unleashing flurries of overhands everywhere. And Hendo was even more unaffected.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
I think that’s a huge difference between them. Bisping is more than willing to win a points battle whereas Wandy usually looks to finish. It is kind of strange that Silva hasn’t shown nearly as much aggression since his return to the UFC, but he’s also been fighting guys with great counterstrike ability who don’t wilt under pressure (Rampage, Franklin, Liddel)
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Anthony Pace on Feb 22, 2010 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Aggressiveness impresses more than an intelligent and well-executed gameplan?
No offense, Leland, but Wanderlei fought the most impressive fight I’ve seen him fight since 2006. We’re obviously in agreement that a guy like Melvin Guillard is more impressive for mixing aggressive striking with calculated defense and a degree of patience. I just don’t see how a 33 year old Wanderlei Silva would be doing the right thing by going balls to the wall in his first ever fight at 185 pounds. He fought brilliantly and I was very impressed with him. Quite surprised that you aren’t.
PS; War Sotiropoulos!
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
It’s smarter. Again, I draw the Shogun comparison. Shogun was widely lauded for his patience against Machida, so I can’t decry Silva for the same thing, especially when it worked against a point-fighter
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Anthony Pace on Feb 22, 2010 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
I suppose my “impressed” notion from this fight comes from my expectations and wishful thinking. I was hoping to see a flat out raw and rageful Wanderlei Silva. I suppose that would be a stupid wish since it’d more than likely put him into more danger than he needed to be in.
P.S. PICKED IT!
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah War Sotiropoulos for sure! Very entertaining fight.
I wasn’t impressed with the whole fight. We know Bisping is going to get on his bicycle. He thinks he’s fast enough to punch and go. He’s looking for points, because I don’t think he has the power.
While I’m happy Wanderlei was a more restrained he’s still throwing those looping punches. He’s not setting them up with a nice clean jab. I don’t think he should have chased Bisping but he could have cut off some corners and push the pace a bit. He risked a decision loss by allowing Bisping his moments. Wanderlei has the ability to finish Bisping. What he did in the very last 10 seconds of the fight could have been done in the 1st or 2nd round. That was Wanderlei playing it safe hoping he didn’t suffer a KO. His body remembers those recent KO losses.
"There's nothing cool about taking punishment" - Floyd Mayweather Jr.
by VeeisAnimated on Feb 22, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
Totally agree. I thought that was a lackluster fight.
I knew what Bisping was going to do against Wanderlei. Use the same strategy against Leben and attempt some take-downs. Bisping’s camp was correct on their assessment of Wanderlei. He’s the same fighter and has the same tendencies. Unfortunately he has a very measured approach. He’s very cautious about being caught so he’s not going to go balls out unless the clock tells him that he has 10 seconds left . . . try something, anything.
"There's nothing cool about taking punishment" - Floyd Mayweather Jr.
by VeeisAnimated on Feb 22, 2010 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
srsly?
Bisping was officially 5/9 (I feel quite strongly that it was more like 12, but Fight Metric might not count a low grasp without driving or something) and Bisping had to work for several of his successful attempts (three of the five which took place in the first round, so Wanderlei figured him out). Bisping rarely struggles that much to take down his opponent— ask Denis Kang.
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
You're wrong.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
I mean, yeah. But really how good of a wrestler is Bisping? Suppose I should watch the Evans and Hammil fights again
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms, turning every good thing to rust.
by Anthony Pace on Feb 22, 2010 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
Early on, Wanderlei’s defense wasn’t phenomenal, but his scrambling and power from the bottom was the compensating factor. Over the course of the fight, Bisping actually beat him to the shot a number of times, and Wanderlei powered out of it quite impressively.
It wasn’t like the CC fight where Perosh basically was beaten badly in quickness to the shot.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
Another thing that was great about this event
Was the fact that it was in a different country and it still played at the same time live. I am all for events in Australia.
PRIDE FC is still real to me dammit
Will he be a contender? No, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that he could clear out the mid-tier fighters at 185.
Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade
by Damon O. on Feb 22, 2010 2:48 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I can still see him as a contender, the only person in 185 in my view that would beat him without a doubt is the other Silva, but aside from him all the other fighters at the top of the division would still be an interesting match to me.
Everywhere I’m go, all them guys they says to me to kick for to him!
All them is hate him. I don’t know why, but no is just me, is everybady!
Clear out the mid-tiers for sure
on intimidation alone. I wouldn’t put a couple big name wins past Wandy either…
just 'cause you pour syrup on shit, don't make it pancakes
by imnotjohnlong on Feb 22, 2010 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
Smoogy
After he found out Sotiropoulos’ kickboxing wasn’t “turrible”
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Hahaha!
I’m glad someone finally brought this up..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
I was very pleased with Silva's perfomance.
I too hoped for a little more agression, but that wasn’t his gameplan.
The fight was close, but Bisping never really threatened Silva with anything serious.
Silva was inches away with many bombs. Will he beat Nate, Maia, Sonnen, A. Silva or Belfort? I don’t know. If he beats Akiyama I wouldn’t mind dseeing him try.
Remember, this was his first try at 185. Maybe we will see him more comfortable with his gas tank and power from here on out. Those were both in question coming in and looked good.
The gained confidence could enegize him and that is something to lookforward to.
He proved a few things in this fight
It was great seeing what he did in this fight. He proved that he could make the cut to 185 and maintain his cardio (he went all 3 rounds), he still has the knockout power (given 10 more secs, Bisping would have been TKO’d) and that his surgery was an absolute success (he only recieved the cut on his chin and he was able to breath just fine). Can’t wait for his next fight. I think he will get in the groove of being at 185 and make the middleweight division more exciting. Should he lose, they could always create an awesome brawl between him and Leben. ;)
Honestly Wand’s demise was exagerrated, and probably so is his comeback. I dind’t think he looked bad against Rich Franklin. He lost a close fight, which IMO he would have won had he not dropped for that sloppy guillotine choke attempt at the end of Round 1. For my money he looked much better against Franklin than against Liddell.
With the Bisping fight, he looked good overall. Frankly it was a great fight, and I’m kind of surprised it didn’t get FOTN. Bisping is just a lower quality opponent than Rich Franklin. I think Wand looked slightly better than in the Franklin fight, mostly in terms of cardio, and we got to see some scrambles, but Leland’s right, it wasn’t a radically different fighter.Its too bad he didn’t rush Bisping from the start, because we would have murdered him though.
With this said, I’m at least hopeful Wandy can string together a couple more quality wins. He’s got what it takes to be a top ten middleweight.
Oh, and to pat myself on the back, before the fight I said a few times Bisping should be really careful throwing his very slow kicks, because he could get caught.I’s be right!
i loved every second of it
the whole bar screamed when we thought he stopped bisping in the 3rd
Own the Podium became Owned on the Podium. What a failure.
Cigano, it is your time to avenge your master's loss!
Making the world a better place, one dirtbag at a time.
Saved by the bell...
Twice… He should have gone for the kill earlier, but knowing he can go a full 15 and still have burst at this new weight has to be a good feeling for him.
Biggest reaction of the night
I watch at the local casino (UFC ring girls bring drinks… 0.o) and the place went nuts after the 3rd. Sick fight. Sick UFC actually.
it was a great card
although i was sad that big nog was finished :(
Own the Podium became Owned on the Podium. What a failure.
Cigano, it is your time to avenge your master's loss!
Making the world a better place, one dirtbag at a time.
the akiyama matchup is good
but nate the great/ silva would be a matchup of two of my all time favs, and i think its a great matchup in terms of overall skillsets
Anyone see the downed kick?
Somewhere in round 2 or 3, it look liked he kicked Bisping in the face as he was getting up. It looked like he got away with something illegal, but awesome to see kicks to a downed opponent back.
Posting a gif would be sweet.
This
And, besides, he appeared up to me. Doesn’t matter, anyway..
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
I think a modern day Wand is Thiago
I feel like Thiago Silva has the same feeling that vintage Wand brought. Tough, durable, chute box kill-em-all style, and the mean throat cutting stuff.
Wandi just seems so small. Bisping was way bigger than him. I’m just glad he didn’t go out like Nog did. That was tough to see.
by Miketsi on Feb 22, 2010 3:44 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Thiago Silva ain’t no Wand. Definitely not vintage Wand. Hell, I’d still pick 2010 Wand over 2010 Thiago Silva.
The closest thing you’ll get to vintage Wanderlei… Karl Amoussou on Friday. He has an ultra-aggressive style.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
I just wish
That Wandi would’ve unloaded that soccer kick that he held back on.
I started to drool when I saw him bring his leg back.
i was gettin so pumped
i really thought he was gonna do it i wish wandy thought fuck the dq and just soccer kicked the shit outta bisping pride fans everywhere woulda gone crazy
Return
Blackout612- "Wuts teh UFC?"
Ubernoober- "It like two guy who just stand and swing for fence and try to knock each other shit out it awesome"
Well… return. I suppose that’d be a better word.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Feb 22, 2010 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
It was sad seeing him have to restrain himself from the soccer kick. UFC rules are so dumb, especially compared to PRIDE. In UFC, up/down, north/south, and sprawls are basically stalemate positions. In PRIDE, there was danger everywhere, more like an actual fight. Case in point, Cro Cop’s fight. He had dude in north/south many times but nothing happens, he could have given knees to the head or something to cause the guy to stop turtling up and doing nothing. But as soon as he drops the FIRST elbow, it opens up the cut that ended the fight. Something’s messed up there. Elbows on the ground are so stupid, they just make the fight get stopped to check cuts and end fights due to cuts, elbows on the ground shouldn’t be a part of it, but knees would favor bottom as well as top guy, but try throwing an elbow from the bottom to a guy on top of you north/south. The rules really should be revised and balanced to not favor wrestlers so much, that’s the main problem in UFC. The cage combined with their rules gives a large advantage to good wrestlers willing to exploit their wrestling to the highest advantage.
by carpiverson on Feb 22, 2010 4:04 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
god...
i kept saying… why isn’t he kicking him!!! and then I remembered, stupid UFC rules :(
"One should always be cold minded and remember that a ridiculous incident may occur any time."
by At Least On Paper on Feb 22, 2010 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
stupid UFC rules that prevent permanent brain damage? I don’t get this
by Austin Martin on Feb 22, 2010 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
really? and who fighting in Japan had brain damage in MMA?
Everywhere I’m go, all them guys they says to me to kick for to him!
All them is hate him. I don’t know why, but no is just me, is everybady!
i’m guessing a lot of them will, they just havent reached the age where we can tell yet.
by Austin Martin on Feb 22, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
that was all GnP though, I don’t remember Arona throwing soccer kicks and stomps in that fight.
Everywhere I’m go, all them guys they says to me to kick for to him!
All them is hate him. I don’t know why, but no is just me, is everybady!
No stomps or soccer kicks that I remember
But he surely did knee the fuck out of his head.
Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade
yeah, I remember it now. I personally think the result is more of a wrestling cheat by Arona, by keeping his fingers close to Saku’s eyes, and scratching him with his facial hair, plus the GnP of course. But I do remember the knees and I guess that could have done it as well.
Everywhere I’m go, all them guys they says to me to kick for to him!
All them is hate him. I don’t know why, but no is just me, is everybady!
man, scratch that, I got to stop talking about old fights that I haven't seen in a while. This fight had pretty much it all.
the soccer kicks:
the knees:
kick him in the sholda!
the wrestling cheats:
the end result:
I’m gonna take some time to watch these old fights, most of them have already been erased from my memory and they deserve to get back in there :p
Everywhere I’m go, all them guys they says to me to kick for to him!
All them is hate him. I don’t know why, but no is just me, is everybady!
by Orcus on Feb 22, 2010 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Yea, I had to re-watch it too.
I almost shed a tear.
Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade
I can’t bring myself to rewatch that fight. Why did the ref never stop it? His corner had to throw in the towel.
New Orleans Saints - 2010 Super Bowl Champions. Unbelievable. Who Dat.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Feb 22, 2010 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
because it was Saku after all :p
Everywhere I’m go, all them guys they says to me to kick for to him!
All them is hate him. I don’t know why, but no is just me, is everybady!
which pride was that?
Own the Podium became Owned on the Podium. What a failure.
Cigano, it is your time to avenge your master's loss!
Making the world a better place, one dirtbag at a time.
Blame McCain
not the UFC. UFC had to introduce a bunch of new rules in order to survive John McCain’s crusade to ban “human cockfighting” in the US.
by baswoot on Feb 22, 2010 5:59 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t see how anyone can cheer for a guy getting kicked in the face and then talk about mma as a sport, it’s one of the many reasons i’m glad Pride and what it represented is gone.
That’s what MMA is, a mixture of all the martial arts. Do you agree with elbows on the ground? Kickboxing and getting kicked in the face is simply part of the sport. If you believe it’s too “brutal”, watch K1 or single martial arts tournaments instead. Mixed Martial Arts is just that: a combination of all martial arts into one bout, and the way UFC’s rules are, wrestlers have an undeniable advantage.
by carpiverson on Feb 22, 2010 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i like tarts,
is a retart like a twice baked potato?
why was wandy so upset again?
Own the Podium became Owned on the Podium. What a failure.
Cigano, it is your time to avenge your master's loss!
Making the world a better place, one dirtbag at a time.
Wanderlei looked very good, far better cardio, and almost as quick as Pride days. It’s tough to walk down a very quick, elusive, technical striker who simply does NOT want to engage and has reach on you. Had the fight gone to further rounds we’d have seen a KO I think. Bisping may be a smug whiny wanker who talks out both sides of his mouth, but he fought a good fight. He was just unable to hurt his opponent or do anything but score ‘point’ takedowns. He went for a couple of knees in the clinch that could have turned things had they connected, but Wanderlei’s wheelhouse is the clinch and I couldn’t see him getting caught there by the likes of Bisping.
It happened
I specializes in grammar fail.
by a tommy point on Feb 22, 2010 6:28 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Also, check out Bruce getting caught in the SANDSTORM:
I dislike Bruce less now.
I specializes in grammar fail.
by a tommy point on Feb 22, 2010 6:31 PM EST up reply actions
you can’t fight the Sandstorm! you can’t go against your body :p
Everywhere I’m go, all them guys they says to me to kick for to him!
All them is hate him. I don’t know why, but no is just me, is everybady!
It's easier if you just give in.
You have to be the man... you have to be very, like, alpha male with her. You know? Decide what you do and everything. So, show her who's the boss, you know? - GSP
rape choke!
Own the Podium became Owned on the Podium. What a failure.
Cigano, it is your time to avenge your master's loss!
Making the world a better place, one dirtbag at a time.
Rampage should have told him to avoid that punch.
I dislike Matt Hughes. Shogun beat him like a dirty horse.
by MonkeyCHops on Feb 22, 2010 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
haha did any1 else hear rampages cornering? I heard him yell out “the cheen(chin) is gone.”
by mr. gogoplata on Feb 23, 2010 12:29 AM EST up reply actions
Fuck. Yeah.
You have to be the man... you have to be very, like, alpha male with her. You know? Decide what you do and everything. So, show her who's the boss, you know? - GSP
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