UFC 117 Post-Fight Analysis: Was Anderson Silva's Takedown Defense Really That Bad?
by Jonathan Snowden on Aug 8, 2010 11:54 AM EDT
in MMA Events
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A lot of things are written in the aftermath of an important UFC event that may be slightly embarrassing when reexamined in the light of the next morning. Some are driven by emotion; riling up the viewer and getting adrenaline pumping is part of the sport's appeal after all. But, some articles are nothing more than pseudo-sophisticated analysis, as beta male bloggers try to be "first" to drive a point home.
Sometimes even the best of us fall prey to this urge. I wanted to be ahead of the pack pointing out Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin's weaknesses. So I jumped. This morning, our own Michael Rome wanted to jab home the truths he articulated yesterday in a post pumping up Sonnen's chances. But he may have stretched things a little far in an attempt to make his point:
It's been quite a while since Anderson Silva fought a wrestler. As Sonnen took Silva down again and again with shots he did not bother to set up, I was not surprised in the least.
Having watched the fight twice this morning, allow me to rebut. Sonnen did a masterful job controlling the fight. An impeccable gas tank kept him on top once the contest hit the mat, and he was able to work hard enough not to have to worried about taking Silva down "time and time again." In fact, Sonnen never had to get up a single time after taking the fight down.
Sonnen, contrary to Rome's contention, didn't do well when he shot without setting things up first. A chronicle of his successes and failures after the break.
Round 1: After missing an early takedown attempt (4:40), Sonnen shocks the world by winning a standing exchange. After landing several flush punches, Sonnen shoots (3:24) and takes the fight to the ground for the remainder of the round.
Round 2: Early in the round Sonnen catches a Silva kick and takes him to the mat (4:51). The two never return to their feet.
Round 3: Sonnen scores a great takedown (4:40), setting things up nicely with a jab and then stretching his entire body out to control a backpedaling Silva. The fight stays on the ground for the remainder of the round.
Round 4: Sonnen, looking a little tired, shoots in with no setup (4:47). Silva stops these takedowns easily. After a furious standing battle, Silva stuffs another shot (4:32), but makes what could have been a fight changing mistake. Instead of returning to his feet, Silva takes the top position. Seconds later, Sonnen reverses him (4:07) and stays on top for the rest of the round.
Round 5: Sonnen immediately looks for a takedown, but by not setting it up first, fails badly (4:54). As Silva looks for a desperation knockout, his feet get tangled and he slips to the mat (4:42). The fight is on the ground, with Sonnen leaving progressively more and more openings, until the finish heard around the world.
Rome also points out another weakness in Silva's game:
Perhaps the most stunning thing about tonight's main event was Anderson's complete inability to defend himself from guard for the better part of four and a half rounds. His primary strategy was to try to stall for a standup, and when that didn't work, he had no answers...until round 5, when he pulled off one of the greatest comeback wins in UFC history.
On a second viewing, this point didn't seem as obvious as it did late last night. On the mat, Silva was almost as active as Sonnen was-he had to be to contend with the wrestler's seemingly bottomless gas tank. Both men were moving-a lot. And though you didn't see Silva actually go for much from the bottom, you could see his hard drive spinning throughout. It was a chess match in the best sense as Silva spent much of the fight trying to control Chael's arms and waiting for his moment to strike.
Beyond submissions, Silva's active striking from the bottom changed the dynamic of Sonnen's attack in the later rounds. Suddenly worrying about the elbows and punches from the bottom that were shredding his face, Sonnen had to get progressively more aggressive to keep the advantage. In the end, that's what cost him.
Looking back, it's not as simple as saying Anderson Silva is a bad wrestler. In fact, when Sonnen's wrestling wasn't accompanied by other techniques, Silva stopped it with ease. It was only when Sonnen was able to provide himself an edge with active striking and groundwork that his wrestling base was able to propel him towards victory. This was mixed martial arts in its truest sense. And if this fight proved anything it proved that two willing warriors, fighting with heart and determination for 25 minutes, can provide the kind of entertainment unparalleled in the world of sport.
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You make some good points here.
I rewatched the fight as well and there were definitely a few times when Silva was just holding onto Sonnen in the hopes that there would be a stand up. After that failed and he got way behind and his ribs were bugging him he went with reckless abandon. In the 4th round he even threw a haymaker. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that before out of Anderson.
Sonnen did an amazing job last night. The takedown attempts that weren’t set up were garbage and had Silva not stopped them then we could sit here and say without a shadow of a doubt that he’s a horrible wrestler. But amazingly enough Sonnen won a few exchanges and that reversal he pulled was greatness.
What a fucking fight.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
This is a really interesting counter-point. The one thing I really disagree with is that Silva was playing chess on the ground. Sonnen overwhelmed him, and when he started just desperate trying to stall, I realized exactly how much trouble Silva was in. The body triangle and the “koala cling” both just slowed down the attack, but he still took shots and some big ones, too. Silva never really came close on a sweep, and never came close on a submission until the last one. But all that’s more a credit to Sonnen’s smothering top control than Anderson not being as skilled at BJJ.
"I'm AJB and I endorse this nut-puncher."
kimuras?
I need to watch it again, but I remember at least two kimura attempts along with the triangle, and a couple times Silva tried to set up the arm bar.
I was as impressed as anyone with Sonnen’s takedown game — when he set up the double leg attacks with strikes. But from the first round on, I kept flinching every time Sonnen left his arms hanging for Silva to grab. Sonnen’s sub defense was a little better than some of the other Team Quest guys, but after a while I wondered if something wasn’t wrong with Silva because he couldn’t seem to do anything when Sonnen gifted him his arms.
yup
the crowd went wild when he almost had a kimura
by GoldenSt8OfMind on Aug 8, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
It's a good point made, it really is.
But was it necessary to make this another post and ‘rebut’ one of your colleagues on the front page? Why not just comment on the story?
Honestly just wondering, don’t hate.
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by James Brady on Aug 8, 2010 12:02 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
This is how we do it. Four guys rebutted my Lesnar/Carwin piece.
by Jonathan Snowden on Aug 8, 2010 12:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Did any of them refer to you as a “beta male blogger” peddling “pseudo-sophisticated analysis”?
I’m confident that Rome doesn’t give a shit, but that read a little harsh to me.
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by Derek Suboticki on Aug 8, 2010 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think Jon was calling Mike a “beta male blogger.” Especially when the next paragraph starts with “Sometimes even the best of us fall prey to this urge.”
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
I read that as “beta male bloggers do it all the time, and sometimes I fuck up too”
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
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Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Aug 8, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Man, chill out.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
SO ANGRY RIGHT NOW
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
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by Derek Suboticki on Aug 8, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for your “take.” I think I’ll continue soliciting input from the people who run the site though.
by Jonathan Snowden on Aug 8, 2010 12:32 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
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by BigDNotDallas on Aug 8, 2010 3:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
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by Barack Lesnar on Aug 8, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I suppose. Just comes off as a giant pissing contest. One guy shits on one article and then you shit on another and before we all know it everything is covered in shit.
Yes, I did just say pissing contest and then proceed to reference only shit.. oh well.
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by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 8, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s all good. So long as it’s good with you guys. I don’t come here to talk bad about anyone or discredit and article, etc. I know that gives some people their jollies but the way he worded it left a bad taste in my mouth, as a writer.
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Twitter me and what not.
yeah, I rewatched the fight also,
sonnen got 1 takedown each for the first 3 rounds, 4th he got reversed, and he slipped on the 5th… Sonnen was just really good at controlling Silva so they stayed there…
also, what I noticed that isn’t getting pointed out much, was that seconds before Chael got subbed, Anderson landed a huge right hand from the bottom that hurt Chael a bit and made him cover up, leading up to getting triangled a few seconds later.
Even from the ground A.S. is hard hitting.
Just look at Sonnens face after the fight. Rematch.
yup
if you look at their faces in the post conference, Sonnen looks like the one that got grounded and pounded. Silva was landing some good shots from the bottom but yes he was completely outstruck in this fight.
I believe his injury “excuse”
by GoldenSt8OfMind on Aug 8, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Also
Silva hit chael with a wicked elbow lutter style.
"I will do nothing lightly. When I walk, I will walk heavily. When I fight, I will fight with conviction. When I speak, I will speak strongly. When I love, I will love with everything"
by dedstrk316 on Aug 8, 2010 12:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
how
silva stood there in the first round w/his hands at his waist for 30 seconds while getting hit repeatedly confuses me still. he was clearly getting hurt and just stood there which left him open to being bull rushed to the ground. horrible tactical move
it's him trying to show that Sonnens punches don't hurt
though I’m sure they did
the following two things are signs of weaknesses:
stay silent when it's needed to speak up, and speak up when it's needed to stay silent.
Yeah,
He was trying to show Sonnen early that Chael had nothing for him. Then he realized immediately that Chael had plenty for him and he fought with so much urgency after that. In fact, you could say he panicked in the second which lead to him being taken down. It’ll be interesting to see what Anderson can do now that he’s not underestimating Chael in the rematch. He made a lot of little mistakes out of hubris, like taking Chael down when he had him hurt in the fourth to try to show Chael his wrestling. He kept trying to get in Chael’s head, and you can’t. He’s too focused. This rematch will be entirely different. That’s why it needs to happen. Chael will still be Chael, but Anderson will be motivated (and older.) I can’t wait.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
No, but there should be.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
My money is on Belfort getting the next shot
When some wild-eyed, eight-foot-tall maniac grabs your neck, taps the back of your favorite head up against the barroom wall, and he looks you crooked in the eye and he asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail." - Jack Burton
i disagree
Chael was dominating the fight all the way up to the sub, but that doesn’t mean he deserves a rematch. he lost, anderson won. let silva fight Belfort
Couldn't agree more.
Chael had his turn in the spotlight, and came up short. Time to move on.
Move on to whom?
That’s the toughest fight for the champ, make it happen.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
There is about a 1 percent chance
The fight is another four and a half round beating that Silva wins in the last seconds.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
you're right
next time Chael gets KTFO in round one
by BeeTrain on Aug 8, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
that is the most unfounded accusation i’ve ever seen in reference to someone calling someone else a troll. do you even know what a troll is? stop it with that.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
Troll ;-)
Nick Garcia is the Brian Russell of MLS but 10 times worse.
by SSreporters on Aug 8, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You mean the guy who has never fought at MW in the UFC?
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
Yeah, the guy who beat a former MW champ...
It would have been nice if he had actually won a fight at MW first, but it was Dna who put him in line for a title shot – ahead of Chael IIRC, and we would have likely seen that fight first if not for an injury.
Anderson was motivated and was well-prepared
Blackhouse was holding epically long sparring sessions (Lyoto said 15 round in one interview) to prepare him for this fight. He’s training with some of the best stand up fighters around and was also working takedowns with Ishii and Munoz. He was prepared. He’s simply not as good as everyone thinks at this time. His skills, especially his reflexes, clearly are eroding, based on this performance, and he’s never been a good defensive wrestler. Fortunately for him he’s a MW and will never have to fight another wrestler unless they rematch him with Sonnen or sacrifice him to GSP.
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I was saying the same thing all night last night
And nobody agreed with me. Oh well.
"I will do nothing lightly. When I walk, I will walk heavily. When I fight, I will fight with conviction. When I speak, I will speak strongly. When I love, I will love with everything"
What?
No clue what you are talking about. What I was saying was just before the sub he whacked Sonnen with an elbow and that made Sonnen uncomfortable and took his mind off of defending a sub.
"I will do nothing lightly. When I walk, I will walk heavily. When I fight, I will fight with conviction. When I speak, I will speak strongly. When I love, I will love with everything"
there we go!
by Anton Tabuena on Aug 8, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Looks like you came up with the same count FightMetric did (3/7). I remarked that this looked off intuitively, but I knew in my head that the action hit the ground a couple of times without a Sonnen takedown.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
That seemed off to me as well
When some wild-eyed, eight-foot-tall maniac grabs your neck, taps the back of your favorite head up against the barroom wall, and he looks you crooked in the eye and he asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail." - Jack Burton
Takedown defense wasn’t as bad as his inability to get back up or maintain any dominant position. Of course, Sonnen is a pretty OK wrestler (sarc.)…
what do you exspect
blackhouses best wrestler is mark munoz and if you didnt notice from hsi last fight he doesnt know how to shoot for a double leg……..cheal is a 100x better wrestler then munoz
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okami gets no credit?
Give Okami some credit for good takedown defense. Munoz has taken plenty of people down before Okami in mma, and his NCAA titles didn’t come from him getting stuffed on his shots.
NCAA wrestling and MMA wrestling are verry different things.
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by Brent Brookhouse on Aug 8, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not some big collegiate wrestling fan...
But, from what others have said NCAA wrestling and MMA wrestling are both very similar and night and day different depending on the wrestler in question. I always thought they were very regimented sporting contests, but apparently the whole “styles make fights” arugment holds true in wrestling as well as anywhere else.
I’ve heard more than a few comparisons between wrestlers that were like Lesnar versus more technical guys and such and how some styles just translate much better than others. It just seems like MMA wrestling can be fairly close to what some guys do, but then other guys are just terrible despite the pedigree because what they excelled at on the collegiate level is near worthless in MMA. I mean, the reverse is kinda true too. GSP has no NCAA or equivilant background AFAIK, but his MMA wrestling is good enough for people to talk about him winning spots on the Olympic team.
I just don’t think it’s cut and dry, but more of a Venn Diagram with a lot of overlap between successful collegiate wrestling and successful MMA wrestling. You just happen to have some guys that are heavily in that non-overlapping portion.
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OH man..
that was a hard loss to swallow and this coming from someone that is not a fan of chael.
That belt should of been his but he choked literally.
That being said silva has never had the greatest takedown defense to begin with so to see him taken down with ease by an ex-olympic wrester did not surprise me. Also, it was said that Silva had pre-existing rib injury which would of made it harder for him to stop the take downs.
i dont wanna see a rematch
the UFC should literally drop everything and make anderson silva vs gsp right the fuck now before we finally get that fight renzo gracie vs matt hughes style years after anyone wanted to see it
We have a saying back home that if your coming on, COME ON!!!!
It would have been interesting
To see what would have happened if Silva had managed to get back up once or twice. The way things were going, i’m pretty sure Sonnen could have gotten Silva on his back almost at will. Of course, that’s probably much more a testament to Sonnen’s wrasslin’ as opposed to Silva’s lacking TDD.
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Okami/Belfort for #1 contender.
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by Derek Suboticki on Aug 8, 2010 12:19 PM EDT reply actions
i think okami takes that
the blueprint to beat belfort is there and okami can definately execute it
We have a saying back home that if your coming on, COME ON!!!!
Love to see a slow motion of the first shot.
That shit was fucking shocking!!!
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
The first round apparently took place in bizarro world, where Sonnen knocks down Silva and Silva takes down Sonnen.
by crazybones on Aug 8, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
No way Silva was even trying during this exchange
No footwork, no attempt to slip punches, no movement at the waist. He was proving something to everyone. But nobody seems to have got it.
by SimplePsych on Aug 8, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I agree. No head movement (and we all know when Silva doesn’t want to get hit, no one can hit him. Especially a wrestler not know for his superior striking). Just wanted to show Sonnen that his punches couldn’t KO a toddler.
by Joo on Aug 8, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
That first punch came real fast and real straight, so that probably caught Silva off guard. Those other punches right before the takedown? That was Silva saying Fuck You to Sonnen.
Then again, who knows. Chael IS the fastest white man alive.
by crazybones on Aug 8, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
After that first big shot
Silva had to fight off the strong urge to thank him.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
by Geno Mrosko on Aug 8, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“He was proving something” is one extremely charitable way of looking at things. Another interpretation might be that he didn’t take Sonnen’s striking seriously and wasn’t on top of his game on fight night. I guess we’ll never know.
by JRN on Aug 8, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Speak for yourself
Some of us know more than others
Anderson Silva is actually not a God. That fight really happened. Sonnen really almost won. It wasn’t even close. You gotta deal with it buddy.
Sonnen never came close to winning that fight. I takes more than takedowns and rabbit punches beat the consensus P4P fighter. Silva was playing “rope a dope” until the last round. He could have finished Sonnen with the kimura but let it go for no apparent reason. He could have finished him with the heel hook, but let it go for no apparent reason. He let Sonnen take him down at will, even though he has shown he has excellent take down defense.
He’s bored with fighting, the UFC, Dana White, and the fans. He has spoken of retiring several times in the past.
by Joo on Aug 8, 2010 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
So you mean you're trolling
for no apparent reason? =)
Pro-wrestling and MMA: I have the best of both worlds.
He did similar thing against Rivera. Except then I worked out better. It’s a stupid tactic though.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Sonner*
err, but yeah Silva’s takedown defense was O.K. not terrible though. I think it’s easy to think GSP wins in a super fight.
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i think Chael could take Georges though.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
That is just insane. What makes you think that?
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
Better wrestling pedigree, and unlike Koscheck he uses it in fights. He’ll rough Georges up the same way. He’s got the size advantage so he should be able to put him on his back. I can’t see GSP pulling off a last minute triangle. I also can’t see GSP stuffing all of his shots, and even if he did, Chael’s striking is aggressive and powerful.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
Dude
Like Snowden pointed out he set up his takedowns and pulled reversals and did a lot of things he would not be able to do against GSP. St. Pierre has the absolute best takedown defense in the game. It’s nuts to think Chael would win a fight against him.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
Do you realize how much bigger than GSP Chael is. GSP’s takedown defense is great, but Chael is maybe the second best MMA wrestler in the world with a size advantage.
Is it possible Georges could stuff his shots and maybe even put Chael on his back? Yes. But it is no way crazy that Chael would out wrestle GSP.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
I think it is.
I could be wrong, and I have been many times before and surely will be again, but I don’t think he’s that much better. I think his top game and the way he smothers guys while also landing shots is better but I’m not sure he could ever get GSP in that position. To me I think it would play out the same way the Hughes-GSP fight from UFC 65 did.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
This argument is going to seem silly
When Koscheck wins two rounds.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
He’s about 10-15 lbs bigger.
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25 lbs
Chael said he’s about 220, GSP said he was about 195 a couple months ago.
"I trained with Steven Seagal."
by B.H. Farnsworth on Aug 8, 2010 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
On fight night he’s certainly not 220. He’s about 205. That’s the relevant number.
"If a dick don't get hard offa cocaine, what would you axe it?" O.D.B.
"To be is to be the value of a bound variable." W.V.O Quine
"I shoot. I score. He shoots. I score." Dan Gable.
Sonnen said in an interview that he’s 210 lbs in the octagon.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 9, 2010 4:00 AM EDT up reply actions
GSP has the best TDD in the game?
Not denying that, but I don’t recall him really having to use it – What fights has he needed it?
The Hughes fights come to mind.
He hasn’t needed it as of late but that’s only because he is the one taking everyone else down.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
Not sure about this. GSP is getting bigger, considering a move up to middle weight, and he wasn’t supposed to be able to handle Matt Hughes’ wrestling either… until he made Matt verbally tap. GSP seems to be a lot more mobile on the mat, from his back and the top, has a submission game (even though we haven’t seen it in a while), and he’s better than Silva at getting shots off against a takedown. Actually, it’d probably be a pretty competitive fight.
We've seen his submission game
it’s just that Hardy refused to tap to some sick ass armbars.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
how is it insane? chael is an olympic level wrestler and outweighs george by probably 15- lbs
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
by Austin Martin on Aug 8, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
GSP is an awesome wrestler
with awesome takedown defense. Just being big doesn’t mean shit unless it’s a gigantic size advantage and it’s not.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
Size means everything when skill levels are the same.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
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by Derek Suboticki on Aug 8, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Indeed yes!
If two fighters are equally good at everything, then that 5-10 lb can mean the world.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Contributor for WatchKalibRun.com
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Aug 8, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
That's not really the argument
I don’t see anyone saying they’re as good as one another. I think GSP is the better MMA wrestler and that the size wouldn’t make up that much ground for Chael (who, to my knowledge, doesn’t cut down a lot, and GSP walks around at 185).
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
Chael said he was 220
"I trained with Steven Seagal."
by B.H. Farnsworth on Aug 8, 2010 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
You're talking 18 lbs weight difference
Sonnen is 210 in the octagon, GSP 192.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
100% disagree.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
GSP and Marquardt train wrestling together all the time, and it’s pretty close
Look what Sonnen did to Marquardt
What's pretty close?
GSP and Marquardt’s wrestling?? That’s crazy talk.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
Don't give me that shit.
Training and fighting are way different dude. You know that. Marquardt went in with a ridiculously stupid gameplan. Same thing as Silva. Throw a kick and get taken down. Nate just couldn’t finish the submissions he had on him. Came goddamn close though. If time hadn’t run out on that guillotine Chael even admitted that he was going out. This whole shit wouldn’t have gone down. Oh, what could have been. Chael is thinking the same thing right now.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
Chael would completely outclass GSP in a MW fight. Georges isn’t strong enough to deal with Chael.
by Johnnynumber5 on Aug 8, 2010 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously, it's becoming a fallacy
To believe that if Fighter A trains (form of combat) with Fighter B, and Fighter C beats Fighter B with that same form of combat, that Fighter A would also lost to Fighter C.
Nick Garcia is the Brian Russell of MLS but 10 times worse.
Couldn't agree more.
I hate that line of thinking. It also happens in the form of….well Machida beat Rashad and Shogun beat Machida so therefore Shogun will beat Rashad.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
I’ve seen a lot of that logic in regards to an Anderson Silva vs GSP fight. People are saying that because Sonnen was successful it means GSP should be favored in a fight with Silva.
by Johnnynumber5 on Aug 8, 2010 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
110% disagree
GSP would kill Sonnen in an MMA wrestling match. Silva took him down for god’s sake (showing good offensive wrestling skills but not on the level of GSP).
I also think GSP would beat him in a straight wrestling match assuming they wrestled at 185. Watch the Otto Olson – GSP match at the ADCC in 2005. Olson placed second in NCAA finals losing to Kos. GSP straight outwrestled him. A no gi match where your opponent doesn’t want to get taken down is the closest we’ll get to seeing GSP in a pure wrestling match and he clearly outwrestled him landing two double legs and just missing a third when Olsen went out of bounds. This was 5 years ago and by all indications his wrestling has improved. GSP’s pure wrestling is nothing to sneeze at. Sonnen is getting old and his best wrestling years are behind him (that’s not to say he’s not a good wrestler, becuase he is). GSP is in his prime.
"If a dick don't get hard offa cocaine, what would you axe it?" O.D.B.
"To be is to be the value of a bound variable." W.V.O Quine
"I shoot. I score. He shoots. I score." Dan Gable.
You know what's scary?
GSP is twice the wrestler he was in 05.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
You guys are using the logical fallacy you accused others of using. So, because GSP outwrestled a guy 5 years ago in ADCC means he would out wrestle Sonnen? I smell me some fanboyism.
by Johnnynumber5 on Aug 8, 2010 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions
How you derived that from my comment is ignorance at its worst. All I said is that he’s a better wrestler than he was five years ago. Nice job.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
Yes, he would outweigh him by 5- 10 pounds,
And yes, he is a better pure wrestler, but GSP is far quicker & faster, and a much better MMA wrestler than Sonnen is – GSP takes him going away.
Sonnen would not be able to take GSP down IMO…
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." -Arthur Schopenhauer
Haters are gonna hate and bitches are gonna bitch...
by BigDNotDallas on Aug 8, 2010 3:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Sonnen is 220
"I trained with Steven Seagal."
by B.H. Farnsworth on Aug 8, 2010 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions
It would help that GSP is highly unlikely to end up on his back against Sonnen.
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." -Arthur Schopenhauer
Haters are gonna hate and bitches are gonna bitch...
by BigDNotDallas on Aug 8, 2010 3:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Thats a huge assumption. I’d bet the farm that Sonnen would put GSP on his back multiple times.
by Johnnynumber5 on Aug 8, 2010 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Did anybody else
think it was hilarious that Michael Bisping called Sonnen a fag on twitter and said that he couldn’t hold him down the way he did Silva?
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
Seriously, what the hell is wrong with Bisping? Is he trying to out-Sonnen Sonnen, or is he just a dick?
What makes it even better
is that like 11 hours later he put something up saying he was only kidding and props to both guys or something like that. Someone from the UFC must have read the tweet and told him to apologize or whatever. Hilarious though that he called Sonnen a fag.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
why is that funny?
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
by Austin Martin on Aug 8, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you serious?
I’d love to see that— do you have the line on hand?
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
I smell an middle of the road contender looking for a big fight.
No way does an Englishman have the TDD to beat Sonnen. He’s better than most, but I’ve seen us get destroyed by wrestling too many times to believe Bisping could stuff Sonnen.
He called him the British term for cigarette?
I don’t see what the problem is…..
/I’ll get my coat
Nick Garcia is the Brian Russell of MLS but 10 times worse.
this loss was more disappointing than the 07 Patriots and this years Celtics
After the third round, i literally was just watching the fight asking chael to keep his arms back and not let what happened the first time with Paulo Thiago happen again. Chael won the fight in every area except mentally, which i guess is what makes Silva the champ. Silva was battered, beaten up, tired, lost every round, but had the mental fortitude to wait for the right moment, and then snuck the triangle. i saw it coming about 5 seconds before, as chael’s base was about 10 inches back from what it should’ve been.
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
History would’ve been sweet – we’ll see 19-0 one day – but fuck the Pats.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Contributor for WatchKalibRun.com
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Aug 8, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
put yourself in my shoes, despite the team. 1 minute from a perfect season, with the pats setting all sorts of offensive records. most disappointing moment in my sports life.
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
by Austin Martin on Aug 8, 2010 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
But they were the fucking evil empire. I loved that they were brought down by just the other Manning.
"I am a man who pisses largely and frequently, which they say is a sign of great mental activity" -Henry Miller-
they were brought down by our defense not getting it done. and the gmen d performing. eli was the right place, right time
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
by Austin Martin on Aug 8, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't worry about that
He’s coming back yo.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
Yeah Favre has been trolling the NFL world, he’ll be back he just doesn’t want to deal with the bullshit training camp.
And they wouldn't make him, either
I think part of the problem is the team told him to just take his time and come back when he’s ready and the media is frenzying for any sort of news. Jay Glazer essentially said he wasn’t coming back from a fucking premonition.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
Someone didn’t tell your tight end that.
When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are in a confederacy against him. - Jonathan Swift
Contributor for WatchKalibRun.com
Still Subo at Fightlinker.com
by Derek Suboticki on Aug 8, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
The life of a Vikings fan--
Self lamenting, fickle, bandwagon jumpers. I don’t feel bad for you, I feel bad for those of us that stick with the team through thick and thin.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
by Charles Awad on Aug 8, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, but look who is saving himself from a lot of misery and heartache, and ends every season on a high note? Now who’s the smart guy?
With you on the thick and thin thing. I just had to go and give myself equal parts excitement and crushing depression by watching the NFL yearbook of last season on ESPN yesterday afternoon. I still can’t believe they didn’t run it on third down with a 55 yarder on deck in the 4th quarter. Longwell makes that kick 99 times out of 100 indoors. Run the ball, leave it to him. That loss may haunt us all much longer than the ’98 season, I think.
One of many mistakes in that game
We didn’t just shoot ourselves in the foot— we blasted both feet off completely. We definitely gave that game away.
"I'm gonna go after number one, whoever it is. If it's Anderson, or I gotta go up after the guys at 205, or go on a diet and go after Jose Aldo-- it doesn't matter." -Chael Sonnen
Yes, unfortunately we did
Can’t deny any of that. Far too many mistakes made in that game. It’s just like this Sonnen-Silva fight, it doesn’t matter how much of a contest you dominate, if you leave enough of an opening for your opponent you’ll still get beat.
Well, that wouldn't have happened
If they would have run the ball and kicked the field goal. But then again, that wouldn’t have happened had they not turned the ball over four other times throughout the game allowing the Saints to stay in the game, etc. Like Blackout said, we definitely gave the game away.
filho, not thiago*
the crazy one, not Braz Cop
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
by Austin Martin on Aug 8, 2010 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
18-1
18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1 18-1
one of the greatest moments in sports in the past three decades. I was sooooooooooooooo loud that night :D
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Aug 8, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I had so much depraved sex that night it wasn’t even right. What a great day.
And then God created Saturn... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
Twitter me and what not.
That was the greatest day ever
And I’m not a Giants fan.
Nick Garcia is the Brian Russell of MLS but 10 times worse.
If this was a 3 round match, do anyone think SIlva would have fought with a different urgency and would be able to submit Sonnen in round 3?
Maybe.
At the end of the first round he was clutching and pointing at his ribs while walking to his corner. That had to play a part in something. He must have aggravated the injury he already had. I want to see a rematch for sure.
Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.
Cagesideseats.com
I think so...
It’s still possible if it was a three rounder that Chael would have a victory over Silva under belt, but it’s hard to think that Anderson wasn’t prepared to use all five rounds against Sonnen.
A couple of points
1) Maybe Matt Lindland was the guy to beat Silva back in 2007
2) This fight should get people to reexamine the Mousasi/King Mo fight. It played out almost exactly the same, but Mousasi was unable to score the sub he was looking for. This is what happens when a great standup fighter with sub skills from his back meets a world class wrestler.
3) An Okami – Anderson Silva rematch just got a lot more interesting.
4) Anderson is going to have a lot more problems at LHW. At this moment I would pick Evans, Jones, and King Mo over him.
5) I still don’t like GSP’s chances. I don’t buy that he’s 5’11". I think the reach and length advantage will be so great as to make it extremely difficult for GSP to shoot.
6) I would love for Jacare to sign with the UFC.
“4) Anderson is going to have a lot more problems at LHW. At this moment I would pick Evans, Jones, and King Mo over him.”
Rashad doesn’t have near the wrestling of Mo or Sonnen.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
That is true. But he is big and strong enough to manhandle him, and if Jones is on top Anderson won’t be able to hang on for four rounds to a victory. Plus he’s the only one with good enough striking and wrestling to keep Anderson that off guard. Thats going to be hard combo for Anderson to overcome.
I don’t think that Jones would manhandle Silva that easy. We don’t know how his sub defense is and his GnP isn’t as deadly as people make it to be. With Vera, before that face breaking elbow there wasn’t going anything serious. I’m not mentioning Vlad, because it was crucifix, and I seriously doubt his BJJ.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
You aren't giving him credit for his GnP being deadly
Because not much happened before he shattered Vera’s orbital bone with one elbow?
Not afraid to nitpick
Yes. I also don’t give Russow credit for deadly striking.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
One feather in your ass doesn’t make you a chicken. Trust me, I’m a chicken.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
More importantly, his control on the top is severely lacking. It’s like his takedowns are more like jabs that are effective at keeping his opponents guessing, but don’t really cause damage.
Jones, however, is extremely effective with his top control. I think he could really hurt/neutralize Anderson from the top.
Rashad's conditioning would kill him in the end
And Anderson would probably knock him out. Evans already escaped a KO loss against both Rampage and Thiago Silva and he can’t get away with that forever.
Nick Garcia is the Brian Russell of MLS but 10 times worse.
I agree with this, although I don’t think Silva would knock him out. Evans is quick and could close the distance pretty easily. I doubt he’d stand in front of Silva. He doesn’t have elite conditioning though and that might kill him in the end.
"If a dick don't get hard offa cocaine, what would you axe it?" O.D.B.
"To be is to be the value of a bound variable." W.V.O Quine
"I shoot. I score. He shoots. I score." Dan Gable.
5), no, I can’t believe you would say this. Say it isn’t so. Does it change your mind that GSP’s reach is 76" and longer than Chael’s? I’m firmly of the view now that GSP – Silva isn’t going to be pretty for Silva, whether fought at 205, 185, 175 or WW.
"If a dick don't get hard offa cocaine, what would you axe it?" O.D.B.
"To be is to be the value of a bound variable." W.V.O Quine
"I shoot. I score. He shoots. I score." Dan Gable.
I have my doubts that his height and his reach is as great as listed. 76" would give him Rich Franklin’s reach. From appearances he doesn’t seem that long. Maybe it is, but a lot of fighters seem to have the wrong info published.
If Anderson has the reach that he appears to have, then I could see him staying outside and really hurting GSP. Without the ability to set up transitions I don’t think GSP’s wrestling would be as big as factor as we’re used to seeing.
If the reach advantage isn’t really there, then I give GSP a solid chance.
GSP’s limbs are abnormally long for someone his height. It’s something you might not notice if you’re not looking for it, but I think the measurement is legit. GSP has trained with Roach and I think is savvy enough on his feet to neutralize Silva’s reach wedding his knowledge of attacking using angles with his preposterously perfect shot timing and quickness and power. Nevertheless, I’m obviously speculating here. I love GSP too much to objectively assess his chances. That said, I don’t see how he won’t do exactly what Sonnen did to Silva except that it will be worse because his top game is far, far better.
"If a dick don't get hard offa cocaine, what would you axe it?" O.D.B.
"To be is to be the value of a bound variable." W.V.O Quine
"I shoot. I score. He shoots. I score." Dan Gable.
Considering who Anderson Silva was fighting, I don’t feel that his takedown defense is as bad as one would think. Jon Fitch was consistently taken down by GSP, but that doesn’t mean that Fitch has bad takedown defense. Silva fought the best wrestler at Middleweight and got taken down by him, but if he truly had bad takedown defense, he wouldn’t have been able to stuff even one takedown, and the facts in the article show that Silva did stuff some takedowns.
I agree with this. Just because King Mo took down Mousasi at will doesn’t mean that Gegard has no wrestling or takedown defense. It just means he didn’t have the ability to stop a world class wrestler.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
I am still waiting to see if any BE writers truly caught on the what really happened
Disappointed to see. There have been hints here and there, but nobody has fully entertained any notion other than Silva was truly that bad for 4 round and Sonnen was that masterful, and then he had a mental lapse with 90 seconds to go.
Nobody I talked to at the Arena(including fighters than train with Silva)have believed it.
Are you implying that it was his plan to take a beating and set up a last minute come from behind sub? or are you talking about his injury?
This is simply a case of someone believing they have the inside scoop on some vast mastermind plan.
What you saw was this, a 5 round fight that was decided in the last 2 minutes with a triangle. Silva was not toying him, Chael didnt take a dive, it was a fight from start to finish.
Those things (like the injury) are just variables that all still lead up to the same outcome.
Silva won, Sonnen lost, it seems that the BE writers have caught on to that and that is truly what happened.
Well, little parts of the idea are coming out as we speak
And there is allot of real evidence to support the notion that Silva carried Sonnen until the minute he decided to finish the fight.
You really cant be serious. That is beyond asinine.
I think evidence isnt the word your looking for, it should say “And theres alot of crackpot theories to support the notion…”
No he is right
We all don’t have to go the way of the majority friend, some of us think outside the box, that doesn’t mean you need to insult us. You can still believe what you want to believe without being a punk.
Ok so now its thinking outside the box,
lets go that route then. Some people are saying that Chael threw the fight and that it was rigged, they are also “thinking outside the box”. That does not make it any less stupid.
The reason I came down so hard on his theory is because he presented it like he had some sort of inside info that no one else but him and a select few knew.
Its BS and you can ride that wave to BS town with him if you want too, but you will still look foolish to everyone except your fellow conspiracy theorist.
"I'm sore, tired, under the weather, over trained, under motivated and still tough enough to write this signature."
My thoughts
Amazing fight, definitely in terns of emotion and drama it was up there with the best fights I’ve ever seen. The build up and the hype and the way Chael fought turned a Chael hater (me) into a Chael fan. I’m sure I will hate him all over again when he starts saying crazy shit again but for now I respect him and what he brings to the table. He has evolved so much from the WEC days and it’s been fun to watch him grow.
That being said, Anderson Silva showed why he is a champion and why he is the best fighter in the sport. I think Anderson in the 1st round took some hard shots on purpose just to show everyone that Chael had nothing for him. Something about the way he didn’t attempt any sweeps or more subs makes me think he wanted to draw the fight out, let Chael pour his heart out into the octagon and instead of clowning him, snatch his hopes and dreams right out of thin air with a perfectly executed Triangle/Arm bar hybrid. We all know it hurts ten times more for Chael the way it ended rather than if it had ended via 1st rd sub. Anderson trolled Chael into believing the fight was his.
Call me crazy?
I'd love to believe that.
But to wait that long… It’s far too much of a risk. You’d need supreme confidence in your own BJJ and your opponent’s continued lack of sub defence. What if Chael escaped the triangle, having trained getting out of them for ages? Silva would be fucked, and lose his title and reputation for trying to dick around with Sonnen.
No, the idea has been growing
And I was thinking the same thing while watching the fight, I knew somehow that anderson would win.
The question has been awnsered
Anderson Silva is a true champion. Blood, sweat & tears.
But at the end of the day, even after the loss for Chael, people will always remember this fight as “the first time we ever saw Anderson Silva get butchered for 4 rounds straight”.
But, who cares about little things, wrestling is wrestling, right? Wrong. And Hendo found out the hard way. - kyfm621
There was a question that the guy who held the record for most consecutive title defenses and longest title reign was a “true champion”?
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
You're right Mike
I echo all the comments above, Silva proved his meddle last night. To be able to take that kind of pounding and come out on top was testament to not only his heart, but, conditioning, toughness, mental toughness and ability. Anderson Silva should learn from this fight, that is scary as hell for the rest of the MW division. The blueprint to beat him is out there, but, still no one has been able to completely execute it. I really think Silva is reenergized by this fight.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
typo
I meant to say Anderson Silva has the true heart of a champion.
But, who cares about little things, wrestling is wrestling, right? Wrong. And Hendo found out the hard way. - kyfm621
by MrTechnique420 on Aug 8, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Chael Sonnen is my new hero...
I think he only lost because he started to get complacent, he’ll be heartbroken. To be honest I think I am a little bit too which is very strange because I barely like Chael Sonnen, I just thought he was funny and I appreciated what he did to build up the fight.
I kind of think that he can’t recover from this having come so close and failed. Such a shame.
Would love an instant rematch with more of the same, Sonnen probably the only man at 185 that can beat Anderson as he is not just a great wrestler but a great wrestler for MMA. Chael can only beat himself by not getting over this loss mentally.
by Ilias on Aug 8, 2010 2:09 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Which is a very REAL possibility. Sometimes
fighters are not the same after such a break. Meldrick Taylor comes to mind.
Snowden
I like the break down, it was a fair assessment of the fight. I had Sonnen winning all 5 rounds, easily, but Silva was using effective striking from the bottom. It was obvious, the elbows from the guard Silva were landing, caused Chael to increase his sense of urgency. Pretty good outcome for Zuffa if you ask me. They came into the night with a boring wrestler and unpopular champion. Now, they have a wealth of options with both Silva and Sonnen. The buzz from this fight should help both Chael and Andy become bigger ppv draws. I really think Zuffa should try to capitalize on this and make a USA vs Brazil Tuf, with Sonnen and Silva as coaches. This can help bring in some new Brazillian talent, help garner some interest in Brazil and use the nationalism that was prevalent in the crowd. The chants of USA but, Zuffa have an angle they can market. Sonnen may have just become the new Captain America.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
Regardless of the Sonnen haters on this site
He still made a lot of fans with that performance. He’s going to get a rematch, PERIOD.
I don’t think so. Belfort is trolling Lorenzo and Dana for (another) title shot since April.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I think giving Belfort a title shot would be bad.
Belfort leapfrogging Chael would kill all the momentum Zuffa just gained from this fight. Let’s be honest, neither Chael nor Anderson were box office darlings before this fight. The rematch would be another catalyst in building Silva and Sonnen’s images. The UFC is a business first, the biggest complaint about Silva coming into this fight was his lack of marketability. Well, after last night, you can put that baby to bed. The same with Chael, he wasnt the most marketable either. The ablility to take advantage of the market is Zuffa’s biggest strength.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
I would be bad
But I think that after the emotions drop, Vitor will be Joe Silva’s choice. I don’t think that UFC will make the precedent of giving the contender another title shot just because he did good (and has good talk).
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Im not sold
Like I said, Anderson and Chael are both great fighters, but, neither have been marketable. I think milking this is a way to make these guys marketable. Plus, Sonnen did everything but win the fight. I see this just like the Shogun vs Machida fight. Alot of questions needed answered, they rematched and all was good. This is the same way IMHO.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
There was no controversy here.
But I guess we will find out in a few weeks who will get the shot.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Im not saying saying controversy
Im saying, like Shogun vs Machida, this fight left people saying the right man didnt win. That’s it.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
But in this fight the right man won. Unless you mean “the right man” in Strikeforce sense of the word…
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
haha
I like the Strikeforce dig. I was at a fight party, everyone in the room but me was rooting for Chael. I could be out of line, but I believe the overwhelming majority of people wanted Chael to win. If the party I was at is an indicator, the rematch will be highly watched. I agree, the right man won, but, I think a rematch is in order.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
So if the rematch is a near-exact repeat (which is quite possible given that Chael isn’t likely to suddenly become a submission-proof finisher and Anderson isn’t likely to become a good enough wrestler to stop Sonnen’s shots) should Chael get a second rematch? He came close but he lost, he doesn’t get to try again without coming back up the mountain. Granted, he shouldn’t have to win too many to get another go, but someone else should get the next shot.
I agree
I dont see how Zuffa can leap frog over Chael. Sonnen deserves another shot.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
Good job Snowden
I like your UFC 117 articles. And no, pigs are not flying away from the icy ground of hell freezing over…just good work dude.
I say make an immediate rematch, let it headline with Brock’s next title defense after Cain and do a big UFC Primetime show around it and promote the hell out of it. I think it’d break the UFC PPV record.
Belfort needs to beat Okami while Chael and Anderson do this fight again. Just because you beat perennial catch weight gate keeper in Rich Franklin doesn’t mean you deserve to fight Anderson fucking Silva. Win against a contender at MIDDLEWEIGHT then you can make your argument.
I think Cain beats Lesnar
Whats the contingency plan if Velasquez beats Lesnar?
by Johnnynumber5 on Aug 8, 2010 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Ryan
I like that fight. Okami vs Belfort that needs to happen. It seems hard to swallow that Vitor is in title contention without even making MW once in his UFC career. I think Yushin has a better arguement for a title shot then Vitor, so, square up, find out and the winner gets the winner. This gives the MW division a much needed shot in the arm of excitement. This can play out just like the HW and WW divisions are playing out. The best part, new names are gonna make their way into contention so this will get even more exciting
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
I’m just not impressed by Belfort and don’t see what he has to offer Anderson to make this fight competitive. The whole not fighting at 185 ONCE since he’s been back in the UFC pisses me off as well. Okami has been waiting patiently, if Belfort wants this fight bad enough beat Okami (who deserves his shot) then fight Silva if you get past Okami.
You don’t see what Belfort has to offer Silva? Seriously? You could also make the case that Lesnar didn’t earn his title shot against Couture after only beating Herring and that Shogun didn’t earn his title shot after beating Liddel and Coleman. But, they got their title shots and we’ve seen how thats turned out. Belfort gets the next shot whether he’s earned it or not and he has just as good a chance of beating Silva as anyone does.
by Johnnynumber5 on Aug 8, 2010 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Snowden hit the nail on the heard with this sentence...
And if this fight proved anything it proved that two willing warriors, fighting with heart and determination for 25 minutes, can provide the kind of entertainment unparalleled in the world of sport.
"I ain't got time to breath."
Watch Tosh.O
Pain don't hurt...
if anything, chael has the most dramatic GNP we've seen in a while
that reversal he hit had me on my seat. it was the same against nate. he found a way to get on top every round, in an exciting fashion.
plus, that knockdown in the first round was incredible. anderson can say whatever he wants about his ribs being injured, but that wouldn’t contribute to the knockdown. that was pure chael. and the awesome thing is, this same thing happened with chael and filho. he dominated the entire first fight and got caught. i don’t anticipate AS speaking to spirits in the rematch though.
Can’t believe Chael lost still, but what a fight. what a fucking fight. surpassed Lesnar vs. Carwin, surpassed Zombie vs. Garcia, Huerta vs Curran, Aldo vs Faber. Fight of the early decade for sure. In terms of historical significance and drama.
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
I believe Silva's win is now the latest stoppage in UFC history
And it’s unquestionably the greatest come-from-behind win in UFC history.
Nick Garcia is the Brian Russell of MLS but 10 times worse.
It wasn’t a knockdown though. His leg buckled and he lost balance, but didn’t go do down.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions
my mistake, i thought he went down but the gif above just shows his hand touch
still though. chael sonnen doing that? truly, if that is any indication of anything, belfort seems to have significantly better a chance on the feet than we thought
Even when I'm laying on my back I'm never backing down
by Austin Martin on Aug 8, 2010 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, it was a fuck up on Silva’s part. I don’t think he would be so nonchalant against Vitor though, after all it’s his most common way to win a fight.
"...ride life straight to perfect laughter,
it's the only good fight there is."
by dancingChicken on Aug 8, 2010 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Rome is clueless
1 being taken down by a wrester of Sonnen’s pedigree does not mean you have bad takedown defense
2 all the damage to Sonnen’s face was down by Silva laying on his back. The elbows were just too fast for Jim Rome to register them.
..!..
War Sonnen!
Man Sonnen really worked him over to bad he messed up at the end. Cant wait for the rematch.
Rematch, of course.
But I’m not really banking on it any time soon. He lost fair and square.
I’d definitely rather see Sonnen v Belfort, if anything. There was no controversy, there was no Cecil Peoples. He lost. Get back in line.
He’s a legitimate fighter now though. Before, he had beat a couple good guys, and it seemed like he was getting a rub or something, lol I definitely have respect for him now, where there was none.
But Silva knew what he was doing. Hands down, took like what? 3-4 shots, didn’t even check ‘em lol For every measure Sonnen took “exploiting” Silva’s game- Silva was right there, looking for arm bars, and kimuras, and triangles. Was he as effective as Maia? Of course not, thats why you saw Silva refuse to get on the ground with Maia, lol
But Sonnen lost, it was a great fight though. Hell, Couture put on a hell of a performance in his loss to Lesnar, and we didn’t get an immediate rematch of that fight.
Have him get back in line, and fight some more Top 10s, because there’s a Hulk Brazilian he has never fought.
This is what I believe happened from the get-go
-Silva wanted to prove a point that Sonnen’s striking is nothing dangerous (no footwork or even trying to dodge punches landing on his face consecutively in the first round)
-Silva underestimated Sonnen’s takedown and G&P game (as we saw throughout the fight, being taken down continuously)
It’s an obvious point and clear case that Silva did not take Sonnen seriously when this match up was announced. It’s clearly that he underestimated Sonnen in every aspect and got overwhelming unexpectingly and almost cost him his belt. Either it’s arrogance on his part with being the champion for so long has gotten to his head but whatever it is, this fight was a wake up call big time.
lol
did anyone else notuice that everytime cheal hit anderson with a punch joe rogan would yell " OMG HE HURT HIM" even if it didnt even stagger anderson. like the gif abouve of the clinch work for example
The Red Wings will come back stronger
RESTORE THE ROAR 2010 Detroit Lions
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