Blogkick: Anderson Silva, Could He Go Down As The Greatest Ever?
Posted on February 6, 2011, 11:29 AM by overhand rightThere's been no shortage of doubt cast over 'The Spider' and his claim to the pound-for-pound crown in recent times. This seems to have stemmed from his bout against Demian Maia in the UFC's maiden voyage to Abu Dhabi. Many believed Anderson had lost his passion for fighting and his will to win, having put on a lacklustre (to say the least) performance against Maia which featured him running and dancing around the cage, much to the dismay of paying fans worldwide. However I think you would have to agree that it never looked like the jiu-jitsu specialist was a threat to Silva throughout the fight.
The fight against trash-talking wrestler, Chael Sonnen, only further fueled the fires of suspicion surrounding Silva's abilities. While Sonnen's performance against the champ was commendable and certainly provided the toughest test Silva has had to date, there are certain details which I believe detract from the supposed domination that Sonnen laid down. It wasn't long after they fought that Sonnen's positive testing for PEDs and elevated testosterone levels came to light, suggesting he had a physical advantage over the Brazilian before the fight had even begun. Another factor that played a big part in Silva's performance that night was the alleged rib injury he took into the fight with him, something that certainly would have prevented him from performing at 100%. And finally, Silva has since stated that he took great offense at Chael's pre-fight comments regarding the Nogueira brothers, which Silva claims inspired within him a determination to finish the fight by submission. This perhaps swayed Silva to allow Sonnen to take the fight to the ground so as to present him with an opportunity to tap him out, which he eventually achieved, and not a moment too soon. Submitting Sonnen in such a do or die situation is the kind of moment that really defines a champion. It was a testament to the heart, resiliency and never-die attitude that will help that fight go down in the MMA annals as one of the best in UFC history.
Last night we truly saw Silva back to his fighting best and perhaps most importantly, he was mentally prepared. This was probably the toughest matchup the UFC could have presented Anderson with at middleweight. Silva had already beaten every manner of grappler out there, from BJJ champions to Olympic level wrestlers. But Belfort would be the first fighter he would face who could truly be dubbed an elite striker. And as we all saw last night, this looks to have made no difference to The Spider. Belfort had never been knocked out before in his storied and illustrious career, but it only took Silva a little over three minutes to add Vitor to his highlight reel of devastating knockouts. A front kick to the jaw and it was all over. All the talk, and all the hype, was crushed in an instant by the inarguable greatness of this modern day Muhammad Ali of MMA.
So, what's left for The Spider? Surely nothing at middleweight that would cause him any problems. Yushin Okami is next in line for a shot at 185 gold. But Anderson has already beaten wrestlers of an arguably higher caliber than Okami before. Not to discredit 'Thunder', a victory over him would certainly be a superb achievement but there are greater things beckoning for the champion.
In a few months, Georges St Pierre will defend his title against an opponent who also could be perceived as the toughest challenge available to him at welterweight, and the only man left for him to beat in the division, Jake Shields. If GSP can add a ninth consecutive win to his record, we may bare witness to the announcement of what has the potential to be the biggest fight in MMA history: Anderson 'The Spider' Silva vs Georges 'Rush' St Pierre. This would be a fight for the ages. The two best fighters in the world going head to head to decide who is the most dangerous man on the face of the planet. Would Silva knock the Canadian out in the first round as devastatingly as he has done to so many other contenders? Or would Rush play on Silva's weaknesses and take him down at will? There's only one way to find out.
But let's assume that Silva were to win. Would beating another all-time great, in his prime, be enough to solidify him as the greatest of all time? By doing so he would surpass the achievements of the once invincible Fedor Emelianenko, and that would be no mean feat. Ten years without a loss is certainly near superhuman stuff. Fedor has beaten heavyweight greats such as Cro Cop, Nogueira, Coleman, Randleman and Arlovski, all in their prime and in dominating fashion. On top of that he won the 2004 Pride Heavyweight Grand Prix, Pride Heavyweight Championship, Rings Openweight Championship, Rings Heavyweight and Absolute Tournaments, and the WAMMA Heavyweight Championship. However in recent years there's hardly been a lack of criticism of the regularity at which he has fought and the quality of opponents he's faced, which wasn't helped by his loss to Fabricio Werdum last year. Were 'The Last Emperor' to win the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix he would become untouchable as the number one of all time. Perhaps he already is, but Anderson Silva still has plenty left to achieve in this sport.
Silva has the current record for consecutive wins and title defenses in the UFC and is yet to be beaten inside the octagon. And other than Chael Sonnen, none of those fighters have ever come anywhere close to defeating him. Eight times now he's staved off those who have sought to take his belt from him, which is completely unheard of in the UFC and in most promotions worldwide. But who has he beat? Well his most prestigious wins have come against Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, Forrest Griffin and Vitor Belfort, all of whom are former champions and MMA legends, and all of whom he finished with ease. Does it compare with Fedor's achievements? Maybe not just yet but he's already wrestled the pound-for pound throne from the Story Oskol native and doesn't look like he'll be relinquishing it anytime soon. If, hypothetically, he beat GSP, then perhaps he would consider moving to Light Heavyweight, easily the toughest and most talent rich division in the UFC. I'd warrant that upon moving up to 205, he would be granted an immediate title shot, considering he's already embarrassed two fighters in that weight class.
Now, if Silva were to become Light Heavyweight Champion as well as having been Middleweight champ and having beaten GSP, there would certainly be a lot of weight on his side for being recognised as the best ever. What if he retired unbeaten? What if he increases his record of consecutive title defenses? The possibilities for a man so talented and still at the peak of his powers are limitless. Can he surpass Fedor? Well I think Fedor's career would have to go downhill from here and Silva would have to beat GSP, as well as enjoy championship success at 205.
Whatever Silva does from now on will all go towards cementing his legacy. Realise that every time we see the Spider step in the cage, another piece of legendary MMA history is being written. Currently he looks unstoppable, perhaps the Canadian will prove to be his kryptonite, but only time will tell. For now all that can be said for sure is that he has solidified himself as one of the greatest Mixed Martial Artists of all time.
Comments
YEs ! Unlike Fedor , Silva is not affraid to fight the best in the UFC ! And he wins !
I d like to see silva embarassing fedor in a mma fight.
With an atitude like silvas he's never be great unless he becomes more humble! and about Fedor, Fedor will eat anderson alive, u talking about the best HW ever!
Silva is in the UFC he's fightin the best in the world. Fedor is in strikeforce fightin antonio silva who is not even heavyweight ranked................ UFC is where the legacy and glory is at.
Anderson Silva is humble and very respectful, in other words, he's a true martial artist, and a true champion.
I understand some Portuguese, sometimes the translation gets it so incorrect, we get the wrong picture of things...but people here in the US love the drama, and the bla bla bla..."drama sells $"
I think there's always a point when people get tired of their hero and turn him into a villain...but I'm a loyal fan, I don't turn my back, specially not if he's the best.
* No one noticed the Corinthians jersey? Ronaldo!
Are you talking about the same Anderson Silva who couldn't cut it in Pride where Fedor was champ? The UFC is where the weak HWs go because they can't cut it in Strikeforce.
I believe so. I am a big time GSP fan....but Silva's force/skill is just undeniable.
NO! If someone like Sonnen can dominate him for over 20 minutes he can't be that great. His stand up is among the greatest in MMA, I doubt there's many who will argue that fact, but his all round game has flaws to it.
A roided-out Chael (enhanced speed, strength & energy) + Anderson with rib injury (limited movement/reflexes & upper body strength) = victorious Anderson Silva...who suffocated Chael and made him TAP via a triangle hold (BJJ)...that Chael was deriding before the fight...why is it when most criticize Silva for that fight, they fail to recognize the circumstances that took place in the fight, as well as, the IRONY of the results?
Sonnen has a medical condition for the steroids. Chael also said that he went easy on Anderson after he herd him squeal inside the octagon hence why he lost. He was trying to be a nice guy. - Obviously this is sarcasm (just in case), but sarcasm sprinkled with truth.
Getting dominated most of the fight and then winning is nothing to be embarrassed about, actually the opposite.
Only problem is that Anderson is fighting in the weakest division.
True MW is not the strongest divsion but neither is HW. Fedor's undefeated record was incredible because of how long it was but you could still pick lots of very average guys he's beaten along the way and IF Silva can beat GSP and possibly win a super fight at LHW, then he would have to be no1 evere imo. BUT there real big IF's. Looks like were heading into the most significant year in MMA history Fedor in the SFT trying to regain his crown and GSP most likely facing Silva this year. 2011 could be EPIC
yeah as i stated above, there were a lot of things to detract from sonnen's performance in that fight:
1. Testing positive for performance enhancers
2. Silva being injured
3. Silva allegedly wanting to go to the ground
but still, he was only seconds from beating the best fighter on the planet (imo). so credit to him for doing what nobody else has come close to before.
and @mmauk, yeah there are quite a few sub par fighters fedor has beaten, especially early on, but that is much the same for most fighters, including silva. he still beat the best heavyweights in the world from around 2003 to 2006, and in dominating fashion.
we'll see him against top level heavyweights this year anyway
He's taking six months off to put on the weight correctly so he'll actually be cutting to make 185.
Credit him for what no one else has come close to? Silva has 4 losses!!! OK 1 was pure BS but still he has more losses than some other fighters.
I think people confuse issues when Silva is discussed. his stand up is probably the best. His range of finishes are probably the best. Some of his finishes theirselves are among the best in MMA though he is not alone on this. That does not equal greatest IMO.
Just look at the last fight with Belfort to see the usual size and reach advantage he usually enjoys. Get him fighting world class opponents of equal size and he'd have more than 4 losses. He is great, a special fighter, but not greatest ever.
But guys like Fedor and Edgar beat guys with size disadvantage. Fedor also has a higlight reel of finishes over MUCH bigger guys. i am not discounting anything Silva has accomplished in MMA, he is a legend in his own right and the greatest ever MW, but i think there's other candidates with equal or stronger arguements when it comes down to greatest ever.
If Silva can beat GSP and Jon Jones then I will have to say he is the best as he will have beaten 2 of the very best there is, but just take a look at how many losses his last 2 opponents had combined!! Both of which were title fights.
Well written, solid points, and a good blog for the open-minded non-believers of Anderson Silva, at least to give them a different perspective on why he's considered by many as the greatest this sport has to offer.
AS will beat GSP and with ease i think, GSP not has a smack in the face like vitor had on saturday night and anderson will do that to him no problem, GSP cant stand with anderson he will have to go the ground and i can see anderson submitting him or indeed knocking his a*** out before he even gets there.
oh forgot GSP has been tagged big time before and serra knocked him out, i dont recall anderson ever having head fazed 2 bottles of whisky legs
GSP wouldn't stand there like a rabbit in headlights like belfort did. I do recall Sonnen put Silva on his backside with a single punch though Sonnen does not finish half as effectively as Serra can when catching someone and GSP has less losses than Silva and fights in a tougher division than Silva does.
When they meet I think the weight they fight could be a factor. GSP is giving up massive size and reach disadvantage. At MW this will leave Silva that advantage along with power. At catchweight that takes a little out of Silva and GSP can probably walk through Silva like Sonnen did except with a grade A* ground game not a C- ground game that Sonnen brings. To say he will beat GSP with ease is ridiculous. GSP only has 2 losses, one to the second greatest ever WW and one from a lucky punch from a WW with the heaviest hands. other than that no one else has come remotely close. he has certainly never been dominated like Sonnen dominated Silva. So even with all the disadvantages GSP will face i will be having a few quid on the fella to win.
Interesting article there some big IF's in there but Silva is in a position to seperate himself from everyone including Fedor. What special about Silva more than any other candidate is the way he wins hes so unique, the Forrest fight is the best example, Fedor and GSP are obviuosly challengers for that crown but there style's are no where near as unique as Silva. The ridiculous elbow he knocked out Frickland with, the the Matrix like display agianst Forrest, knocking out Vitor with a front kick etc are moments that GSP and Silva will never produce. I could show you highlight's of LOADS of fighters that out grapple people like GSP I could show you LOADS of vidoes of fighters knocking guys out with big right and left hooks like Fedor. BUt could you do the same with Silva ?
I can also show you plenty of footage of Silva getting dominated, something that rearely if ever has happened to GSP.
Interesting article there some big IF's in there but Silva is in a position to seperate himself from everyone including Fedor. What special about Silva more than any other candidate is the way he wins hes so unique, the Forrest fight is the best example, Fedor and GSP are obviuosly challengers for that crown but there style's are no where near as unique as Silva. The ridiculous elbow he knocked out Frickland with, the the Matrix like display agianst Forrest, knocking out Vitor with a front kick etc are moments that GSP and Silva will never produce. I could show you highlight's of LOADS of fighters that out grapple people like GSP I could show you LOADS of vidoes of fighters knocking guys out with big right and left hooks like Fedor. BUt could you do the same with Silva ?
oops I meant moments that GSP and Fedor will never produce.
You have never watched a Fedor higlight reel then obviously. And the difference is fedor done it against usually bigger opponents whereas Silva usually does it against much smaller opponents. BIG difference!!
I'm not hating on Silva btw before i start getting flamed, he is an amazing fighter just head and shoulders above other like some seem to think IMO.
*just not
I sure hope anderson silva doesnt go down as the greatest. sure hes impressed me on a few occasions. But during his career I dont think hes been properly challenged to be called the greatest
Silva is the P4P king
Wait he isn't all ready consider the greatest ever???
I dont like the guy but he is the best ever IMO
Silva aint the greastest Yet.....if really wants to prove to himself and everyone else he's the greatest then he needs to move up to LHW division. He's already gone up twice and beat the FUhk out of them...2 brutal knockouts in the LHWs should say something. He'll be the Greatest of ALL TIME if he can accomplish this and we all know very damn well he can....he is just scared of being exposed or getting crushed by the top LHW. Rua said he would like to fight Silva if giving the opportunity. Hell, i even think Jonny Bones Jones would and could beat Silva.....if wants to be the BEST of all time than he needs to prove this!!!! now Fack off!!!!!!!!
Why is it that Anderson Silva has to prove himself as the greatest by moving to another weight class, but nobody else does? Why won't Fedor come to the UFC and move down to LHW? He's pudgy at HW so he should be ripped at 205.
Put him up against Shogun and Bones so he can prove he's the best. Better yet, let him stay at HW and put him up against JDS, Carwin, and Velaquez.
Same thing for GSP, why doesn't he move up in weight? If he is supposedly the p4p king, have him move up to MW and put him against and Silva (which may be happening if he beats Shields).
I also find it interesting that the same guys that hate on the Spider are the ones who don't want GSP to move up and fight him. I've heard all the excuses like; "Give GSP a year or so to put on the weight correctly", but did AS have to do that when moving up to LHW? No, he moved up and brutally KOed 2 LHWs, one of which was a former LHW champ. What are you guys afraid of?
Lastly, if you guys are gonna hold Anderson Silva to certain standards, do the same with the guys you consider the best in the world.
Amen zadk..amen. Look at all the excuses fedornuthuggers are making now.
Watch what happens if silva test positive for PED's, but it's all good for chael to use them right?
Honestly Silva didn't look good in that fight vs Vitor and was losing the round until he accidentally kicked Vitor in the face. Why people are so impressed with Silva's performance i have no idea.
maybe because he knocked out an incredible striker and legend of the sport who had never been knocked out in his long and illustrious career prior to that. and he did it with a kick that nobody had ever seen used to ko someone in mma before. so all of that combined with the fact that he's still unbeaten and increasing the title defense and consecutive win records are probably the reason why so many fans are raving about him.
In martial arts no strike is ever thrown by accident...miss or hit, there's always an intention.
Vitor is a top class fighter / legend of the sport, never been ko'ed before...do the math.
People that say Silva couldn't be Fedor are a little nuts IMO, it's a shame that fight will never happen.
And yes I understand Silva = Middleweight and Fedor = Heavyweight but if you look at them Silva is actually the 'bigger' guy
He can go down as the best MW fighter sure.