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Who's next for UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva?

anderson Silva
It's been almost 48 hours since UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson Silva, successfully defended his 185-pound title against Dan Henderson at UFC 82: "Pride of a Champion."

In doing so the Brazilian extended his unbeaten streak inside the Octagon (6-0) and perhaps cemented his status as the top pound-for-pound mixed martial arts fighter on the planet (even though he doesn't think so).

He also more or less wiped out the entire category, defeating top ranked fighters such as Henderson, Rich Franklin (twice), Nate Marquardt and Travis Lutter during his jaw-dropping stint with the UFC.

Henderson was supposed to finally be the man -- who on paper -- could at least take the "Spider" into deep water and test his resolve. He was a decorated Greco-Roman wrestler who had evolved into a dangerous all-around fighter thanks in large part to a devastating right hand.

He didn't last 10 minutes.

During the post-event press conference, UFC President Dana White marveled at the performance and assured those listening that "exciting" things were planned for Silva going forward.

That's a bit odd, considering that Yushin Okami is perhaps the only man left on the roster who has earned the opportunity to challenge for the belt. And "exciting" and "Yushin Okami" go together like mayonnaise and bananas.

It's more like "methodical."

As the last man to defeat Silva -- albeit via an illegal upkick and disqualification -- there is a bit of history there that could help sell the fight.

But could that match up alone sell out an arena and send pay-per-view (PPV) buys soaring? The short answer is no because neither fighter has really connected with the majority of American fans and because it might be perceived globally as another mismatch.

If the bout is indeed booked, and don't get me wrong I think Okami could make it competitive, it would have to be packaged with a major draw such Chuck Liddell or Brock Lesnar. That's not even taking into account that Okami, according to White at the post-event press conference, apparently broke his hand during the Evan Tanner fight this past weekend and the timetable for his return at this point is up in the air.

So what sort of "exciting" possibilities does that leave?

Star-divide

It certainly excludes Matt Lindland -- perhaps the most talented 185-pound free agent out there. But there's talk that the Henderson-esque fighter just inked a deal with another mystery promotion and, even before that, the UFC expressed there was really no interest in bringing him back into the fray anyway.

Denis Kang is another option, but there's no way he'd be brought in (if that's even possible) and given an immediate title shot. It's also safe to say that the Robbie Lawler, Frank Shamrock and Frank Trigg ships have already sailed.

WEC Middleweight Champion, Paulo Filho, would be a great test, but he's in the WEC because Silva is in the UFC. Silva and Filho are friends and training partners and have indicated in the past that a fight between the two would never happen.

Long story short, the UFC will more than likely have to find a challenger for Silva already on its roster. And the current list at middleweight, as we've explained, is a short one.

An interesting twist here is that Silva remarked after the Henderson win that he'd entertain the possibility of fighting in other divisions. In fact, he mentioned that he'd prefer to move down -- not up -- to test his luck elsewhere if called upon to do so.

The list of competitors at welterweight is robust with two names taking center stage: Georges St. Pierre and Matt Hughes. Both have expressed an interest in the past about fighting in the 185-pound class.

St. Pierre has some business to take care of first, which includes a showdown with Matt Serra at UFC 83 next month to determine the undisputed welterweight champion. If he wins it would seem unlikely that the UFC would pit two of its champions against one another.

Hughes on the other hand is on the downside of a remarkable career and is looking for a spark to jump start it once again. He also has countless fans and a high profile name that could create something of a megabout against Silva.

Win or lose he'd come off as a fearless former champion who stepped up to take on the most dominant fighter in the sport today.

But would the UFC really want to take that risk? Hughes has quite a legacy with the promotion as the most dominant welterweight champion of his time and he's a sure-fire hall of famer.

Probably not ... but anything is possible.

What's more possible as I sit here and go through all the possible scenarios is a battle with the current UFC Lightweight Champion, BJ Penn.

"The Prodigy" also has a scheduled bout in the near future against Sean Sherk at UFC 84: "Ill Will" in May. He's also the former welterweight champion and one of only two men (Randy Couture being the other) to hold two UFC belts in two separate weight divisions.

I know ... he's a reigning champion and I just ruled out St. Pierre on that same technicality if he is to defeat Serra. However, Penn has always expressed an interest to one day hold a title in every weight division, including heavyweight ... so why not let him?

It would certainly be exciting. It would also help clear up that whole "pound-for-pound" thing.

Call me crazy.

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Martin Kampmann?

by Diesel_Power on Mar 3, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

DOMINATION. maybe chuck would drop weight…..tito would drop weight for sure. he should not have to change divisions. let the suckers come to him. hughes could put the weight on….not to many options though. is there anyone in other companies who would have a chance?

by bradpittfightculb on Mar 3, 2008 9:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Rampage drop to 185? or bring in belfort…incredible hands and BJJ skills….Battle in Brazil…could be worth watching

by Brandon on Mar 3, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Danni Abaddi

by Jon Pinch on Mar 3, 2008 9:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

matt serra should move to middle weight & upset silva like he did gsp. ahah!

by kAiNOA PilAGO on Mar 3, 2008 9:41 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Is there a suspension report yet for the event?

by JoshMan on Mar 3, 2008 9:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

bj against silva would be awesome. I’m know I’m going to get it for this but I think bj would win. Don’t get me wrong I think silva is one of the best p4p fighter in the word. I just think bj is a better p4p fighter. put them in the same weight class and penn will take it!

by dana's cheap on Mar 3, 2008 9:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think Silva moving to LHW makes a ton more sense than moving down to WW. Obviously he wants to dominate every division,but theres more exciting and difficult matchups at LHW for Silva. I thought of BJ first when he beat Hendo but we’ll see after his Sherk fight. Rampage and Chuck are too big to drop to MW. I say Okami then…who the hell knows.

by Dan on Mar 3, 2008 9:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Ricardo Almeida after he wins his next fight.

by Pitbull NY on Mar 3, 2008 9:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i dont think silva could drop weight and still remain healthy….there isnt much fat on him

by Brandon on Mar 3, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Okami should get the next shot, which is a fight I want to see. Okami isnt really dominant but is quite a bitch to defeat. I dont see Anderson Silva holding titles in any other division. There are absolutely endless amounts of match ups Id like to see him with though.

by c-war on Mar 3, 2008 9:52 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Typo: according to White at the post-event press conference, apparently broke during the Evan Tanner

by c-war on Mar 3, 2008 9:52 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Okami would probably put up a better challenge than Henderson or Franklin were able to. Like you said, there’s no reason Dana can’t package that fight with a couple of bigger names, or even another title fight as they did when Silva fought Marquardt at UFC 73. Silva vs Okami is at least as intriguing as Silva vs Marquardt.

by No1Dad on Mar 3, 2008 9:55 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Typo: according to White at the post-event press conference, apparently broke during the Evan Tanner

his hand. fixed.

by MMAmania on Mar 3, 2008 9:56 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Haha mayo and bananas..That’s fckn classic.

by pUniSHment on Mar 3, 2008 9:59 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Belfort at 185 would be great he has the hand speed to end silva or anyone and thats proven. But i dont know if hes defense is up to fighting someone like silva.

by Khaos_Warrior on Mar 3, 2008 10:02 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Okami should be the next one in line for the title but the ufc has been promoting Bisping like crazy.. I can somehow see him getting a shot over guys who deserve it a lot more. I wanted Hendo to win so the division would not be so dominated, props to the spider

by Mr.FancyPants on Mar 3, 2008 10:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Anderson Silva is at least one year away from defending his title against somebody who poses a serious threat. Or in other words, 3 fights away. I hate the idea of guys moving around in weight. Brandon Vera, Anderson Silva, Georges St. Pierre and BJ Penn should all stick to where they’re at right now.

Matt Hughes was the most dominant champion ever, along with Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell. Why wouldn’t the above mentioned want to acclaim that status?

by Maruader on Mar 3, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Chael Sonnen from the WEC if he beats Filho. Either that or Hughes. I’d love to see Franklin v Silva 3. The first two were insanely entertaining.

by EazyEismydad on Mar 3, 2008 10:09 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i dunno…i think that silvas chin really hasnt been tested….lets be honest…who has really tested his chin? nobody..

by Brandon on Mar 3, 2008 10:10 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i dunno…i think that silvas chin really hasnt been tested….lets be honest…who has really tested his chin? nobody..

That’s because nobody has been able to get to his chin. In six fights, that’s crazy impressive.

by pUniSHment on Mar 3, 2008 10:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

his chin has not been tested…the guy is hard to hit. his jumps around the entire fight, which has exceeded like 8 minutes. rule #1, it is hard to hit a moving target.

“come on down, your the next contestant to get your ass kicked my anderson silva”

by kavedaddy on Mar 3, 2008 10:14 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

KING ANDERSON SILVA,
NO ONE CAN STOP HIM NOW

by Ramon on Mar 3, 2008 10:20 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’ve said it so many times now, but I’ll say it again.
He should move up to 205 and beat up Liddell.

by Toms Bombs on Mar 3, 2008 10:29 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Roy Jones Jr

by hankd on Mar 3, 2008 10:29 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

i think the two best to next fight anderson silva would be yushin okami or patrick cote. martin kampmann wud be also be good but it seems like hes still injured

by OZ on Mar 3, 2008 10:32 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Sylva will hold this belt for as long as wants…

Okami wouldn’t stand a chance. The fight would not get passed the thirty second mark. He can’t stand with Sylva, not even to touch gloves…

GSP would get destroyed…come on people, he got KO’d by Serra…no disrespect to GSP, but Sylva’s by far the hardest hitter in the sport

Hughes, while I love the guy, he’s way too slow at this stage to keep up with a well rounded striker such as Sylva…

Let’s face, the only guy in the 185 ib division who can come close to challenging Sylva is still Henderson. And quite frankly I’d love to see the rematch…
 or

Give Leben another shot…he tried to go toe-to-toe the first time…mabye he’ll be successful a second time around…and hey, the guy’s gotten a ton better since then…

by WADZ on Mar 3, 2008 10:42 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

HELLO!!! I think all you people are forgetting about YUSHIN OKAMI!. Yushin Okmai is the only guy that holds a victory over Anderson Silva by DQ in pride. Yushin Okami is the guy imo that can defeat Anderson Silva. They both have similar styles in Muay Thai Kickboxing, they both are 6"²2"²’ and 185lbs and they have the same record of 21 wins with 4 losses.
Okami has never been knocked out or submitted, but Anderson silva has been submitted by Ryo Chonnan(heel hook) and Daiju Takase(triangle Choke) and Carlos Newton came close to submitting Silva untill he got caught with a knee in pride. So my point is untill Anderson Silva defeats Yushin Okami, silva is not the best 185lb fighter. Besides didn’t Silva say he’d like to fight his clone….Okami is as close to anderson silva as you can get.
This fight can be a huge sell as Okami can say that hes the only man to beat Silva in pride.

by HORNSWOGGLE on Mar 3, 2008 10:44 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

wtf.. ok mr forgetful..you just said silva was caught in a heelhook by chonan and since i know for a fact that fight was a pride fight why do you say okami has the only victory over silva in pride? hello pull your head out

by rob on Apr 14, 2008 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

for a guy thats saying GSP would get koed( which i can’t argue with) should know that its spelled silva

by Brandon on Mar 3, 2008 10:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

A fight i would love to see – Anerson Silva vs. Lyoto Machida (currently undefeated). Shame they are team mates.
Training with Machida may explain why Silva is so hard to hit.

by paniczoo on Mar 3, 2008 10:54 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think Rashad Evans will drop down to 185 to fight Silva one day.

by Red on Mar 3, 2008 11:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hey how about the UFC taking a page from Pride and holding an open tournament with 185 and under and 185 and above….. that way u don’t really put the belts on the line but u would have some great fights at each weight class and see what happens,. The chances for some awesome fights I would think, and some old time UFC type matchups……. but I think they are afraid of the fighters meeting each other but the possiblities would be cool!!!!

by Norm Alpaugh on Mar 3, 2008 11:15 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Does any one think Wandi can drop to 185? I thought Hendo had what it would take to be Silva so now I would question Wandi as well, but I would pay to see that fight. I don’t think Silva can go toe to toe nor would he want too. Would anyone else pay to see that fight?
The Ax Murder vs. The Spider….

by mac daddy on Mar 3, 2008 11:23 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

HELLO!!! I think all you people are forgetting about YUSHIN OKAMI!. Yushin Okmai is the only guy that holds a victory over Anderson Silva by DQ in pride. Yushin Okami is the guy imo that can defeat Anderson Silva. They both have similar styles in Muay Thai Kickboxing, they both are 6"²2"²’ and 185lbs and they have the same record of 21 wins with 4 losses.
Okami has never been knocked out or submitted, but Anderson silva has been submitted by Ryo Chonnan(heel hook) and Daiju Takase(triangle Choke) and Carlos Newton came close to submitting Silva untill he got caught with a knee in pride. So my point is untill Anderson Silva defeats Yushin Okami, silva is not the best 185lb fighter. Besides didn’t Silva say he’d like to fight his clone….Okami is as close to anderson silva as you can get.
This fight can be a huge sell as Okami can say that hes the only man to beat Silva in pride.

WHAT?????

First of all, the DQ was at Rumble of The Rock in Hawaii, and I was there. If it weren’t for the DQ

by pUniSHment on Mar 3, 2008 11:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

WHAT?????

First of all, the DQ was at Rumble of The Rock in Hawaii, and I was there. If it weren’t for the DQ he would have lossed. He lost to both Falaniko Vitale(the guy who was slammed by Matt Lindland, but Linland ended up knocking himself out in the process) and Jake Shields. If Okami wasn’t able to beat Rich Franklin, than how will he possibly be able to beat Anderson Silva?

by pUniSHment on Mar 3, 2008 11:30 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Anderson is too big to move down. He would have to stay put or move up. He’s pretty much picked the cupboard bare at middlewieght with maybe okami or almieda as viable fights. I mean really, are we gonna see a headline ppv with silva vs franklin 3. I doubt u could pay rich enuf to even take that fight. Or maybe silva vs leben2……lol just kidding.

I really thought before the fight that there would be a rematch with hendo but now im not so sure. They have to generate interest and the most interesting fights would be silva vs gsp, penn. Other than that he will have to move up to find competition. We all know that he has found none of that at middlewieght.

I would most like to see him pound liddell like a railroad spike, but thats just me.

by Belly of fury on Mar 3, 2008 11:41 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

BJ penn!!! im serious

by mike22 on Mar 3, 2008 11:41 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think everybody is missing the best guy out there:

Lee “Lightning” Murray

by NDkarl on Mar 3, 2008 11:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

DOMINATION. maybe chuck would drop weight…..tito would drop weight for sure. he should not have to change divisions. let the suckers come to him. hughes could put the weight on….not to many options though. is there anyone in other companies who would have a chance?

seriously man?
1) It’d be impossible for either Chuck or Tito to drop to 185. They have a tough enough cut down to 205.
2) Tito’s on his last fight of his contract and has said that he won’t re-sign with the UFC as long as Dana’s there. Seeing how he’s fighting Machida for his last fight and Dana’s not going anywhere, that fight is only going to be a dream.

But it’d be bad ass to see GSP vs. Silva. IMO GSP is the most complete fighter in the world.

by Papa on Mar 3, 2008 11:50 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yea but lee murray already lost to andeson silva and he is in jail.. for a long time

by mike22 on Mar 3, 2008 11:55 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Silva is a beast on his feet, but if BJ could take Silva down we could finally see how good his BJJ is. He is also tall and that could be a bad thing with BJ’s flexability. I would love to this fight.

by parks1 on Mar 4, 2008 12:02 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

HELLO!!! I think all you people are forgetting about YUSHIN OKAMI!. Yushin Okmai is the only guy that holds a victory over Anderson Silva by DQ in pride. Yushin Okami is the guy imo that can defeat Anderson Silva. They both have similar styles in Muay Thai Kickboxing, they both are 6"²2"²’ and 185lbs and they have the same record of 21 wins with 4 losses.
Okami has never been knocked out or submitted, but Anderson silva has been submitted by Ryo Chonnan(heel hook) and Daiju Takase(triangle Choke) and Carlos Newton came close to submitting Silva untill he got caught with a knee in pride. So my point is untill Anderson Silva defeats Yushin Okami, silva is not the best 185lb fighter. Besides didn’t Silva say he’d like to fight his clone….Okami is as close to anderson silva as you can get.
This fight can be a huge sell as Okami can say that hes the only man to beat Silva in pride.

Okamis striking is nowhere and i repeat nowhere near the level of silva.

by Joe on Mar 4, 2008 12:05 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

WHAT?????

First of all, the DQ was at Rumble of The Rock in Hawaii, and I was there. If it weren’t for the DQ he would have lossed. He lost to both Falaniko Vitale(the guy who was slammed by Matt Lindland, but Linland ended up knocking himself out in the process) and Jake Shields. If Okami wasn’t able to beat Rich Franklin, than how will he possibly be able to beat Anderson Silva?

Thank god someone else pointed that out to him.

Doesnt Jake shields fight at 170 now too so maybe that should tell us something about okami.

by Joe on Mar 4, 2008 12:06 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Spider go down?

HA, just watch some of those 205 bitches like bisbing drop down. It would be fun to see wanderlei do this because he sure as fuck ain’t gonna beat the ‘new’ rampage.

Oh yeah, Forrest Griffen should talk to Franklin’s plastic surgeon cause he’s going to get one hell of an ass whooping!

by ihatedana on Mar 4, 2008 12:10 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Chael Sonnen from the WEC if he beats Filho. Either that or Hughes. I’d love to see Franklin v Silva 3. The first two were insanely entertaining.

The first 2 were entertaining but not competitive.

by goatboy on Mar 4, 2008 12:10 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’ve said it so many times now, but I’ll say it again.
He should move up to 205 and beat up Liddell.

That is ridiculous….he would stand a chance yea, but “beat up” Liddell? I dont think so man…The day Silva fights Liddell is the day is Thai Clench doesnt work and he gets KOd

by Chadx23 on Mar 4, 2008 12:18 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

i hope he moves up to lhw and gets his ass kicked by rampage

i lost a lot of respect for silva after this fight for a few reasons he didn’t touch gloves with hendo at the beginning of the round i thought he was classier than that…and he was kissing ohio’s ass by saying that franklin was the only champion he faced…silva seems like he tries to hard to be modest and humble its not sincere

hendo will beat silva if they fight again he just has to try to finish the fight after he takes silva down

by matt on Mar 4, 2008 12:25 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Rampage drop to 185? or bring in belfort…incredible hands and BJJ skills….Battle in Brazil…could be worth watching

If Silva won’t fight Filho, he’s not going to fight Belfort. All three of them fight for Black House (Casa Preta).

by Dudes McCool on Mar 4, 2008 12:27 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

If we are just looking at UFC middleweights, how bout Drew McFedries? I know Kampman beat him, but Drew is a banger. In the end I’m sure Silva would pick him apart, but that could be a tough fight. Maybe Drew needs to do more to earn the shot. Just thinking out loud I guess.

by Flaadog on Mar 4, 2008 12:37 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Okami get the next crack at Anderson. Right now, I don’t see anyone more deserving of a title shot in that division. Plus I’m sure Anderson would like to avenge that DQ loss from their first fight.

by B.P.D.H. on Mar 4, 2008 12:41 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Okami is unquestionably the No. 1 contender at MW right now. Cote would also be a great match-up for Silva. He has a great chin and excellent striking power.

by PW on Mar 4, 2008 12:42 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Im Still shocked By Hendo getting dominated in round 2. When Andersen came out he looked scared and nervous, seriously look at his eyes on a replay. Hendo looked like far too much in round 1. In round 2 i think it HAD to be Silva’s kick to hendos throat that did Hendo in. after that Hendo, a guy that has never been on ‘queer street’ from strikes, got all dizzy and outta it an has hit easily and almost volunteered for that rear naked choke. I firmly believe it was the kick to the throat, I dont’ and can’t cite Hendo’s 37 yrs of age into the equation seeing as hes such a specimen. However props to Silva, I think he needs to stay at 185 and let people come to him, build a Tyson like aura and streak, and perhaps fight a 205’er like Liddell (whose aging) or even Cro Cop. COme on people CC is not THAT big of a guy. he could make 205 and Anderson could too.

by KINGKONG9 on Mar 4, 2008 12:43 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hendo vs Franklin anyone? Leben vs. Bisping.

by KINGKONG9 on Mar 4, 2008 12:45 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

bj against silva would be awesome. I’m know I’m going to get it for this but I think bj would win. Don’t get me wrong I think silva is one of the best p4p fighter in the word. I just think bj is a better p4p fighter. put them in the same weight class and penn will take it!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA U GOTTA BE JOKEING BJ IS GETTING READY TO GET BEAT DOWN BY SHERK,,,I SAY IT ALMOST HAS TO B BELFORT,,OR MATT HUGHES

by chuckisover-rated on Mar 4, 2008 12:55 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

WHAT?????

First of all, the DQ was at Rumble of The Rock in Hawaii, and I was there. If it weren’t for the DQ


Yea, i dont think Silva ever faught in Pride. Mostly whats it called . . . Rage In The Cage i think, he’s a corner stone in there organization, like a Frank Shamrock to the UFC. And ROTR promotions as well . . .

by ( ( Adam G ) ) on Mar 4, 2008 1:19 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

thoughs are to good fights, but there is no one else for silva hes to dominte needs to move up a class

by Aggieman23 on Mar 4, 2008 1:21 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Danni Abaddi

Man, thats funny!!! If people only remembered Danni A LMAO

by Jiggaman on Mar 4, 2008 1:37 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

GSP would get destroyed…come on people, he got KO’d by Serra…no disrespect to GSP, but Sylva’s by far the hardest hitter in the sport

No, Anderson is the most accurate hitter, but not the hardest.

by Pat on Mar 4, 2008 1:38 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

BJ penn!!!

im serious

BJ’s 2-0 at 185lbs, beating an undefeated Rodrigo Gracie in his first fight at 185lbs and Renzo Gracie in 2006. Granted, both fights were in Hawaii but BJ beat both of them in 3 round decisions when he was out of shape. BJ thinks he won his 3 round decision loss to Lyotto Machida at 205lbs. And the math shows, a better all around ground game (not just a olympic caliber wrestler or BJJ specialist) BJ is the BEST on the gound, that means NO ONE is better than BJ Penn on the ground. His hands are good enough, top ten in the world in striking at 185lbs for sure. The 4 in height advantage wouldnt matter to BJ, how tall is Lyotto, GSP, and those two Gracies?
So BJ PENN, And Maybe . . . DENNIS HALLMAN and LYOTTO MACHIDA (still undefeated) those are the only 3 that i can think of. Wandi would get wasted, subbed, by the end of the 2nd like everyone else. Wandi’s one dimensional like Liddel and Hughes, Anderson would expose it in two rounds.

by ( ( Adam G ) ) on Mar 4, 2008 1:41 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I still can’t get past the whole “Brock Lesnar = big sales” part. The guy will fizzle like Houston Alexander with all that “strength”.

by The Mymus on Mar 4, 2008 2:05 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

KING ANDERSON SILVA,
NO ONE CAN STOP HIM NOW

A F*&king men!!!!!

by Anderson Wont Be Stopped E-Dub!! on Mar 4, 2008 2:16 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

BJ’s 2-0 at 185lbs, beating an undefeated Rodrigo Gracie in his first fight at 185lbs and Renzo Gracie in 2006. Granted, both fights were in Hawaii but BJ beat both of them in 3 round decisions when he was out of shape. BJ thinks he won his 3 round decision loss to Lyotto Machida at 205lbs. And the math shows, a better all around ground game (not just a olympic caliber wrestler or BJJ specialist) BJ is the BEST on the gound, that means NO ONE is better than BJ Penn on the ground. His hands are good enough, top ten in the world in striking at 185lbs for sure. The 4 in height advantage wouldnt matter to BJ, how tall is Lyotto, GSP, and those two Gracies?
So BJ PENN, And Maybe . . . DENNIS HALLMAN and LYOTTO MACHIDA (still undefeated) those are the only 3 that i can think of. Wandi would get wasted, subbed, by the end of the 2nd like everyone else. Wandi’s one dimensional like Liddel and Hughes, Anderson would expose it in two rounds.

Interesting write-up. I agree.

by pUniSHment on Mar 4, 2008 2:18 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

WHAT?????

First of all, the DQ was at Rumble of The Rock in Hawaii, and I was there. If it weren’t for the DQ he would have lossed. He lost to both Falaniko Vitale(the guy who was slammed by Matt Lindland, but Linland ended up knocking himself out in the process) and Jake Shields. If Okami wasn’t able to beat Rich Franklin, than how will he possibly be able to beat Anderson Silva?

Good Point!!!!!!!

Some idiot’s gonna come along and say “but some styles match up better than others”

by Anderson Wont Be Stopped E-Dub!! on Mar 4, 2008 2:27 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

there’s a funny article on Anderson Silva’s next opponent on the manupwear.com blog.

by dropitlikeitshot on Mar 4, 2008 2:38 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

ok, yushin won by dq against silva… it doesnt matter. anderson knocked him the F out!!!!! he kicked him in the face and it was sick! and he would kill him even worse if they fought again

by zack on Mar 4, 2008 3:23 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

BJ’s 2-0 at 185lbs, beating an undefeated Rodrigo Gracie in his first fight at 185lbs and Renzo Gracie in 2006. Granted, both fights were in Hawaii but BJ beat both of them in 3 round decisions when he was out of shape. BJ thinks he won his 3 round decision loss to Lyotto Machida at 205lbs. And the math shows, a better all around ground game (not just a olympic caliber wrestler or BJJ specialist) BJ is the BEST on the gound, that means NO ONE is better than BJ Penn on the ground. His hands are good enough, top ten in the world in striking at 185lbs for sure. The 4 in height advantage wouldnt matter to BJ, how tall is Lyotto, GSP, and those two Gracies?
So BJ PENN, And Maybe . . . DENNIS HALLMAN and LYOTTO MACHIDA (still undefeated) those are the only 3 that i can think of. Wandi would get wasted, subbed, by the end of the 2nd like everyone else. Wandi’s one dimensional like Liddel and Hughes, Anderson would expose it in two rounds.

Thats what im talking about.. bj in shape like he is now will destroy the lightweight division so he wont stay there long.. this is how i could see it playing out…
bj beats sherk, goes up to 170 and revenges the lost to gsp, fights and submits anderson silva at what ever weight, then the big one Fedor!
bj will be king!

by mike22 on Mar 4, 2008 4:04 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

screw everyone in the middleweight division, call up st.pierre now that will be a fight for the ages, think about it.

by blaney on Mar 4, 2008 4:29 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

chris leben! lol

by mad_drummer on Mar 4, 2008 4:46 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

bj against silva would be awesome. I’m know I’m going to get it for this but I think bj would win. Don’t get me wrong I think silva is one of the best p4p fighter in the word. I just think bj is a better p4p fighter. put them in the same weight class and penn will take it!

No way, i’m as bigger of a fan of BJ as the next person but Silva would dominate him.

For BJ to ‘bulk up’ means him hitting the burgers. Silvas reach advantage and sharp striking would be too much for an out of shape BJ.

In an ideal world if they were both the same natural weight i could see BJ taking it but as it stands he would just be another name on the spiders victim list.

by Nick J on Mar 4, 2008 5:56 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think everybody is missing the best guy out there:

Lee “Lightning” Murray

I’m sure your joking but just so you know he is in Prison awaiting trial for a multi million £ robbery!

by Nick J on Mar 4, 2008 5:58 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Ricardo Almeida after he wins his next fight.

Yeah a fair point but his standup is not strong enough to set up the takedown so he can work on his BJJ.

There have been a lot of names thrown into the hat but lets all face it. Now Hendo’s been seen off there’s no-one who has much of a chance and thats the cold reality of it.

GSP gets my vote but i hate to say it he would get messed up as well.

- Rampage is too big to cut
- BJ would be fat if he came up
- Hughes is past it and would get destroyed on his feet
- Okami isn’t good enough
- Rashad is a one trick pony
- Wandy wouldn’t want to/couldn’t cut
- Filho doesn’t want the fight
- Fitch has got too much to do at w/w

There is no-one!!!

by Nick J on Mar 4, 2008 6:09 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

silva has nothing 2 do at 185

by UFC fan from MOROCCO on Mar 4, 2008 6:21 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Hendo vs Franklin anyone? Leben vs. Bisping.

Those are definately two fights I wanna see, as far as Anderson, I don’t really think it matters who on the UFC’s roster you put him up against, the MW division is rather shallow, an outside competitor is the best bet for a “real” challenge, I’d love to see Silva vs. Lawler, you know damn well that fight would end decisively and it’d be constant action

by Fred on Mar 4, 2008 6:22 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yea, i dont think Silva ever faught in Pride. Mostly whats it called . . . Rage In The Cage i think, he’s a corner stone in there organization, like a Frank Shamrock to the UFC. And ROTR promotions as well . . .

He did fight in Pride Shockwave 2004 and got caught with a flying heeel hook losing to Ryo Chonnen.

by vin on Mar 4, 2008 6:29 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

either GSP moves up, or Rampage moves down.

by Sean on Mar 4, 2008 6:34 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

either GSP moves up, or Rampage moves down.

rampage can’t moves down

by UFC fan from MOROCCO on Mar 4, 2008 6:35 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I really would like to see Ricardo Alemida vs. Anderson Silva. Ricardo has the slickest BJJ in the world, and it would be a very interesting match-up style wise.

by "Mr. NC-17" on Mar 4, 2008 6:40 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Have a catch weight fight with GSP 180.

by RPO18 on Mar 4, 2008 7:12 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Well first they need to do a double title fight ppv with Anderson Silva vs Yushin Okami because Okami has earned it and Silva can get revenge and clean out the division

I think they it should be co-main event with forrest vs Rampage as the main event.

by Tony Dollar on Mar 4, 2008 7:27 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Okami should be the next one in line for the title but the ufc has been promoting Bisping like crazy.. I can somehow see him getting a shot over guys who deserve it a lot more. I wanted Hendo to win so the division would not be so dominated, props to the spider

Can you imagine what Silva would do to Bisping? It almost makes me queasy thinking about it. Have the ambulance warmed up and ready to roll.

by chefdaddy on Mar 4, 2008 7:46 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I mentioned on an earlier thread about Filho, I would love to see that fight. I was unaware that they are teammates, I guess that’s out….shoot!

by ragnarr on Mar 4, 2008 8:03 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

HELLO!!! I think all you people are forgetting about YUSHIN OKAMI!. Yushin Okmai is the only guy that holds a victory over Anderson Silva by DQ in pride.

How can you say that Okami stands a chance because Silva lost to him through DQ…

So… I’m guessing because Silva dominated him and knocked him out wrong, Okami is a better fighter? WTF is that

by Reldeed on Mar 4, 2008 8:58 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

ok, yushin won by dq against silva… it doesnt matter. anderson knocked him the F out!!!!! he kicked him in the face and it was sick! and he would kill him even worse if they fought again

That was so true…. Yushin can not handle that Mui Thai from Silva, Yushin is not that kind of fighter look at the Franklin fight.. Yushin was scared to engage and Franklin picked him apart and eked out a discission. I think we are forgeting about one VERY good fighter whom has expressed an interest in dropping and whom could make the drop down to 185 and be a huge 185. Wandelei Silva. I know he has a fight with Jardine coming up which I still can’t figure that match up out given Jardine beat Chuck and Wandelei lost to Chuck, but I digress… I think Silva vs. Silva would be an awesome fight…… Just think about it…..

by Coyote on Mar 4, 2008 9:05 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think everybody is missing the best guy out there:
Lee “Lightning” Murray

Hes already been dissected by Silva in 2004 and only had a punchers chance in that fight. He was never going to win it. Against more technical fighters he will lose. Besides hes in some moroccan prison.

Silva is probably the only fighter that could realistically win titles in all weight divisions. He could probably gain weight although it would be hard and cut it. I would love to see him against Rampage. If Henderson gave Rampage such problems I think it could be a great fight. He could definately win WW or LW titles but I dont think it would be very healthy for him. Even if he didnt make weight at heavier divisions he could still be a good match for anyone.

Silva should face Almeida. Henderson vs Franklin would be awesome for another eliminator in that division since competition is so thin.

by JJ on Mar 4, 2008 9:19 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Shogun has fought at 185 before.

by yoububg on Mar 4, 2008 9:21 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

This write up reminds me exactly of a post that I made yesterday:

I am hoping that Okami gets the title shot, but its not the main event of a PPV, hopefully there will be two titles on the line for that event (HIGHLY unlikely), or have a “Liddell/Shogun” type of match up on the card as well, meaning a non championship fight that is worthy of being a main event.
Then I am rooting for Franklin to beat Lutter, setting up a fight between Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin. I REALLY want to see Hendo lay the smack down on Franklin and shut Anderson Silva up. In the prefight interviews, did anyone else want to strangle Anderson Silva when he said something like “Hahaha, that’s impossible, hahaha” in that super high pitched cartoon character voice of his when he was told that Dan said that he’d beat him.

by ViolentMike on Mar 4, 2008 9:21 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I mentioned on an earlier thread about Filho, I would love to see that fight. I was unaware that they are teammates, I guess that’s out….shoot!

That’s what I was thinking too, but not anly are they team mates they are good friends as well.

by yoububg on Mar 4, 2008 9:22 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Just to throw a few old pride names out there. What about Kazou Misaki or Sakuraba. Sure, Sakuraba ia way past his prime, but I would buy the paper view. All his fights are instant classics. You could even make an arguement for Ryo Chonan. He is the last guy to beat Silva (legitimately). I know these guys are all commited to different promotions, but anythings possible….right?

by BadVibes on Mar 4, 2008 9:27 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

A F*&king men!!!!!

how about have him fight 2 people at once?

by kama kaze on Mar 4, 2008 9:36 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’m fully convinced that Silva is the Real Deal…….no more doubts in my mind. if he decides to go down to Welterweight……..there’s alot of headline fighters that would bring some curiosity……..Sanchez, Fitch, Gsp, Serra, koschek, hughes……but anymore talk about okamai, franklin or any other middleweight besides a henderson rematch at some point……..is only wasting time

by marcus on Mar 4, 2008 9:39 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I REALLY can’t see Anderson dropping down to 170…

HELLO!!! I think all you people are forgetting about YUSHIN OKAMI!. Yushin Okmai is the only guy that holds a victory over Anderson Silva by DQ in pride. Yushin Okami is the guy imo that can defeat Anderson Silva. They both have similar styles in Muay Thai Kickboxing, they both are 6’2’’ and 185lbs and they have the same record of 21 wins with 4 losses.
Okami has never been knocked out or submitted, but Anderson silva has been submitted by Ryo Chonnan(heel hook) and Daiju Takase(triangle Choke) and Carlos Newton came close to submitting Silva untill he got caught with a knee in pride. So my point is untill Anderson Silva defeats Yushin Okami, silva is not the best 185lb fighter. Besides didn’t Silva say he’d like to fight his clone….Okami is as close to anderson silva as you can get.

WOW, did I just read that correctly. I agree 100% that Okami is the #1 contender. But you are saying that Okami is an exact clone of Anderson Silva? WTF?

Okami’s mauy thai is pretty bad, he is strictly a wrestler that looks to GnP. He is arguably the most boring fighter in the MW division. He FINALLY finished a fight, but it was against Tanner.

That is the complete opposite of Anderson Silva.

The Spider is the most exciting fighter in any division. Anderson is not known for his wrestling. He is the best striker in MMA. Okami’s stand up blows. Silva’s BJJ is light years beyond Okami’s. If I was to name one weakness in Anderson Silva’s game, I would say it is his wrestling. If I was to name Okami’s one strength, I would say wrestling.

Other than their height, weight, and records, Okami and Anderson Silva are just about as opposite of fighters as can be.

I still can’t believe that I just read that…

by ViolentMike on Mar 4, 2008 9:44 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

how about have him fight 2 people at once?

Ok… that made me laugh IRL…

As in the posts before the Silva – Henderson fight… I’ve been for Silva all the way… This is funny. maybe the only thing left :)

by Reldeed on Mar 4, 2008 9:44 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

The only fight that makes any sense right now is Okami. Dan Henderson will win the rematch? give me a break. Drew Mcfedries is on a 2 fight losing streak, how the hell does he deserve a shot???

by Ballam on Mar 4, 2008 9:45 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

GSP would get destroyed…come on people, he got KO’d by Serra…no disrespect to GSP, but Sylva’s by far the hardest hitter in the sport

Anderson Silva is not even the hardest hitter in his division. Actually, there are probably WW’s that hit harder. Anderson is known for his pin point precision accuracy. He doesn’t usually have one punch KO’s (which the hardest hitter would have), instead, he usually wins with vicious combinations with every shot landing exactly where he wanted it to.

by ViolentMike on Mar 4, 2008 9:58 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think this is one of the reasons y ufc brought in David Terrell and, he kept getting hurt.

by Rooster on Mar 4, 2008 9:59 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yea, i dont think Silva ever faught in Pride. Mostly whats it called . . . Rage In The Cage i think, he’s a corner stone in there organization, like a Frank Shamrock to the UFC. And ROTR promotions as well . . .
  • one of the most innacutate posts I’ve ever read.

by ViolentMike on Mar 4, 2008 10:04 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Ricardo Almeida after he wins his next fight.

i agree. let big dog get him

by Dav_t08 on Mar 4, 2008 10:11 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’d like to see Silva fight Okami and Cote before anyone else comes down or moves up in weight.

by c-war on Mar 4, 2008 10:17 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

What makes Anderson Silva so good are his crisp leg kicks. He can really hurt you with them which will draw you in closer and can pick you apart with his hands or get you in the clinch. Henderson made a mistake trying to stand with him and it cost him the fight. Everyone wants to prove that their stand up is the best, but no one is smart enough to know it is not. If some people would actually take time to think about how to beat Anderson Silva, it can be done. Okami is a smart fighter, so that’s the only type of fighter left that is probably going to be able to beat Silva, is a smart one.

by c-war on Mar 4, 2008 10:24 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

PLEASE – - -

NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!

BJ needs to stay at his current weight and stay FOCUSED, or we’ll loose him again to ice cream and poor conditioning.

by sal costello on Mar 4, 2008 10:26 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

UFC needs to sign on Jake Shield ASAP, if he gets past a tough opponent, he’d be great against the spider:
http://www.sherdog.com/fightfinder/fightfinder.asp?FighterID=502

by sal costello on Mar 4, 2008 10:28 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

[/quote]
Yea, i dont think Silva ever faught in Pride. Mostly whats it called . . . Rage In The Cage i think, he’s a corner stone in there organization, like a Frank Shamrock to the UFC. And ROTR promotions as well . . .[/quote]

Are you ok?

by c-war on Mar 4, 2008 10:33 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Ok… that made me laugh IRL…

As in the posts before the Silva – Henderson fight… I’ve been for Silva all the way… This is funny. maybe the only thing left :)

dude.. Hendo had the best chance. but hey if Silva fights Okami, I’m betting the house on it. But what surprises me is that theres people out there that think Okami has a chance. Okami will get ROMPED!

by kama kaze on Mar 4, 2008 10:36 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I love B.J. Penn, but Silva would be a real bad matchup. It’s a guarantee that B.J. would get caught with one of the those knees. Who hasn’t?

I’d like to see Silva move up to the LH and battle Shogun, Chuck and such.

Going down doesn’t make sense. Hughes wouldn’t want to risk him going out as being just another victim to Silva.

GSP might make sense. I think he has the skill and frame to put on some mass to fight at 185.

by tallimeca on Mar 4, 2008 10:40 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

The only person who could even challenge silva at this point is GSP. Do you really think he’d be the underdog? I, for one, would not bet against him; especially with how he’s been fighting lately, leaving no spaces for his opponents. BJ would have no idea what to do against a guy the size of silva, but GSP walkes around at 200lb anyway so size wouldn’t be a factor. I could see GSP coming out, wrestling silva to the ground, then controlling all five rounds with ground and pound (or gnp tko). Sure, silva is probably the better striker, but the new GSP seems to have tightened up his game and I don’t think he would make any of the mistakes silva’s former victims made. PLEASE LET THIS FIGHT HAPPEN

by Spitforce on Mar 4, 2008 10:41 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Anderson’s next step should be to fight the other 185 champs out there like Filho and Shamrock before moving up or down in weight..imo

by DianaOrtiz on Mar 4, 2008 10:59 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Henderson made a mistake trying to stand with him and it cost him the fight.

Henderson was doing great in the fight up until the point in the second round when Dan had Anderson in the Greco Roman clinch up against the fence, and then for some inexplicable reason, Hendo switches to a muay thai clinch and tries a knee. He misses, and it was ALL downhill from that point.

by ViolentMike on Mar 4, 2008 11:02 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Mmmmm….mayonnaise and bananas

I agree with Spitforce in that GSP would be a much tougher match than people give him credit for. Enough with the “glass jaw” and Matt Serra garbage. Once GSP pounds out Serra we’ll see that loss to Serra was a fluke.

Against Silva I believe GSP has a real chance. Silva’s shown that his weakness still lies in his wrestling. He’s got good BJJ but his positioning/ground control and grappling aren’t all that great. GSP has shown sick wrestling and has amazing top control and vicious ground and pound. He’s a huge welterweight who walks around at 190 or 200 so it wouldn’t take much for him to bulk up even more to be fine at middleweight. Besides he’s already talked openly about his plans to move up to middleweight and even light heavyweight at some point in time. GSP’s stand up is good enough to get inside for a takedown and that’s all he’d really need to get it on the ground. He wouldn’t be dumb enough to stand with Silva!

But I that won’t happen for at least a few more matches I’d bet. My guess is Okami next, then Hendo or Marqhuardt rematch.

by Chuck on Mar 4, 2008 11:31 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I have to laugh at those who think BJ can defeat Anderson.I am a BJ fan, but please!

by YSA on Mar 4, 2008 11:40 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

it should be either cote or okami, they will no doubt have to add some fire power to the card like the stacked event with tito and the sean sherk match, cote is free maybe they might add it to the july card, it certainly would draw money added to the rampage fight, i also see slyvis fighting rampages sparring partner cheick kongo on this card as well, watch

by bryant on Mar 4, 2008 11:45 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

PLEASE – - -

NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!

BJ needs to stay at his current weight and stay FOCUSED, or we’ll loose him again to ice cream and poor conditioning.

I never understand people who say this. BJ may not have the best cardio in MMA but the only bout he has lost where it may have been a factor would be GSP. Everyone thinks he gassed in his second fight with Hughes but he didn’t…it was a separated rib. And those HURT…see Rampage v Shogun and CC v Kongo…all three losses due to rib injuries.

by Ryan on Mar 4, 2008 11:53 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I believe GSP is the best matchup for Silva but I don’t see that happening for awhile. GSP will need to defend the title he is soon to reclaim a few times before looking at 185. GSP versus Silva would be a very exciting fight.

Silva would destroy Matt Hughes and I’m a Hughes fan.

by Rob on Mar 4, 2008 11:59 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

If Silva moves down in weight we might see the first death in the UFC. He’ll kill those guys down there. He’s basically killin everyone in his own weight class now as it is. His next move, it he want’s a challange, should be up…not down. And why wait…give him a title shot.

by Drew on Mar 4, 2008 12:41 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I really would like to see Ricardo Alemida vs. Anderson Silva. Ricardo has the slickest BJJ in the world, and it would be a very interesting match-up style wise.

That would be an awesome fight, unfortunately the majority of the UFC viewers dont know about Almeida’s ability so it will take him a couple of wins before being considered for a title shot against Silva.

I would really like to see that fight!!!!!

by john on Mar 4, 2008 12:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Anderson has called out the 185lb boxing champion. He wants to show how technical mma fighters are because they always get bashed by hating boxers.

It would be great to see Silva in a boxing match against a boxing champion, but that will never happen.

Speaking of the middleweight division: Martin Kampman is BACK and will fighting at UFC 85 in London!

by john on Mar 4, 2008 12:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Thats what im talking about.. bj in shape like he is now will destroy the lightweight division so he wont stay there long.. this is how i could see it playing out…
bj beats sherk, goes up to 170 and revenges the lost to gsp, fights and submits anderson silva at what ever weight, then the big one Fedor!
bj will be king!

Wishful thinking. He wouldnt be able to cope with Silvas height advantage. And by putting on more weight he would be slower meaning Silva would be hitting him willingly with not much reply. If they were similar height then maybe but too much of an advantage for Silva. His striking is much better than anyone elses BJ has ever gone against.

by JJ on Mar 4, 2008 12:49 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Anderson has called out the 185lb boxing champion. He wants to show how technical mma fighters are because they always get bashed by hating boxers.

It would be great to see Silva in a boxing match against a boxing champion, but that will never happen.

Speaking of the middleweight division: Martin Kampman is BACK and will fighting at UFC 85 in London!

Martin Kampman vs. Jorge Rivera at UFC 85 London!

by john on Mar 4, 2008 12:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The only person who could even challenge silva at this point is GSP. Do you really think he’d be the underdog? I, for one, would not bet against him; especially with how he’s been fighting lately, leaving no spaces for his opponents. BJ would have no idea what to do against a guy the size of silva, but GSP walkes around at 200lb anyway so size wouldn’t be a factor. I could see GSP coming out, wrestling silva to the ground, then controlling all five rounds with ground and pound (or gnp tko). Sure, silva is probably the better striker, but the new GSP seems to have tightened up his game and I don’t think he would make any of the mistakes silva’s former victims made. PLEASE LET THIS FIGHT HAPPEN

Ummmm, BJ faught Lyotto Machida who not only weighed more than Silva (205lbs) But is the exact same height (6’1) as Silva and is Undefeated (Silva has been beaten) He took the Machida fight a whenhe was out of shape (FATTTTTT!) And BJ still gave Machida the hardest fight Machida has had in his career. BJ went and faught Machida right after Machda knocked out Franklin for the first time, at a higher weight class, 3 round decision. And the undefeated Rodrigo Gracie looks to be the exact body type of Silva and BJ wooped up on him with an ugly stick at 185lbs. But yea, i see your point, “BJ wouldnt know what to do against a guy of Silvas size” . . . LoL, DO RESEARCH!!! GSP would get outstrked and subbed, but i do think it would take Silva 3 rounds to do it.

by ( ( Adam G ) ) on Mar 4, 2008 12:53 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Why are we watsing so much time on this thread speculating about who Silva will fight at other weight classes. He is the UFC middleweight champion and regardless of how Dominant he has been, he has only defended his title 3 times. He is going to have to have a few more title defenses before even considering matches with opponents form other divisions.

Same can be said about GSP and BJ penn, who both have yet to successfully defend their titles. I am not bashing any of these fighters because Silva, Penn and GSP are all up their in my favorite fighters list, but whats the obsession with fighting outside the weight class.

At this point Silva, GSP, and Penn all have a lot of work ahead of them cleaning up their divisions especially Penn and GSP.

So instead of dreaming, why dont we start trying to actually discuss what middleweight opponent has a shot at fighting Silva next?

by john on Mar 4, 2008 12:55 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

PLEASE – - -

NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!
NOT BJ!

BJ needs to stay at his current weight and stay FOCUSED, or we’ll loose him again to ice cream and poor conditioning.

I agree that it should not be now, maybe another year or so and BJ needs to move up in weight the correct way, not like he has in the past (via Pepsi and Big Mac’s) As long as he makes 185lbs the right way and in the shape he’s put himself in now i dont see Anderson getting away from BJ on the ground, Ando would be in trouble to say the least.

by ( ( Adam G ) ) on Mar 4, 2008 12:59 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

One Banana and Mayo sandwich coming right up!

by SaVaGe on Mar 4, 2008 1:06 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think we all need to be patient. Silva is what? 28 years old or something? I’m too lazy to check but my point is that he is young and even though he is the best RIGHT NOW to truly cement a legacy you have to prove it over a long stretch. Let him defend his belt at least four more times. There are fights out there. Okami deserves a shot (and don’t give me this marketability crap, the fight is marketable simply because it’s the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet fighting again), Marquadt looked really good against Horn, Almeida looked great in his welcome back against Yundt, Thales Leites is a good young prospect, Patrick Cote is on the rise, and could the third time be the charm for Rich Franklin (definitely not but his fans would believe that it could be)? He should fight every one of those fights, take maybe two years, and then move up to 205 and try that.

by Anthony on Mar 4, 2008 1:13 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Martin Kampmann?

Thiago Silva is 11-0. He crushed a popular puncher Houston Alexander in the first round. He’s a BJJ black belt and good at Muay Thai. Give him the next best fighter than a title shot.

by Rouxdog on Mar 4, 2008 1:15 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’m a huge fan of BJ Penn, but I saw him fight Machida at 205. Two words, Fat-so.

by SmokeRogan on Mar 4, 2008 1:22 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I’m a huge fan of BJ Penn, but I saw him fight Machida at 205. Two words, Fat-so.

Duh, we all know he wasnt in shape then. And he still gave Machida hell and was able to take him down. But if he moved up in weight now the correct way and put on muscle instead of fat, he beats Machida and Silva in the same year.

by ( ( Adam G ) ) on Mar 4, 2008 1:25 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

okami will probably get the next title shot, but i would rather see a fight with a slugger.patrick cote or chris leben.

by the levi on Mar 4, 2008 1:26 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

HELLO!!! I think all you people are forgetting about YUSHIN OKAMI!. Yushin Okmai is the only guy that holds a victory over Anderson Silva by DQ in pride. Yushin Okami is the guy imo that can defeat Anderson Silva. They both have similar styles in Muay Thai Kickboxing, they both are 6"²2"²’ and 185lbs and they have the same record of 21 wins with 4 losses.
Okami has never been knocked out or submitted, but Anderson silva has been submitted by Ryo Chonnan(heel hook) and Daiju Takase(triangle Choke) and Carlos Newton came close to submitting Silva untill he got caught with a knee in pride. So my point is untill Anderson Silva defeats Yushin Okami, silva is not the best 185lb fighter. Besides didn’t Silva say he’d like to fight his clone….Okami is as close to anderson silva as you can get.
This fight can be a huge sell as Okami can say that hes the only man to beat Silva in pride.

okami never beat silva in pride, it was a different organization, and i believe that its cage rage? not sure but correct me if im wrong

by wow! on Mar 4, 2008 1:30 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Why are we watsing so much time on this thread speculating about who Silva will fight at other weight classes. He is the UFC middleweight champion and regardless of how Dominant he has been, he has only defended his title 3 times. He is going to have to have a few more title defenses before even considering matches with opponents form other divisions.

Same can be said about GSP and BJ penn, who both have yet to successfully defend their titles. I am not bashing any of these fighters because Silva, Penn and GSP are all up their in my favorite fighters list, but whats the obsession with fighting outside the weight class.

At this point Silva, GSP, and Penn all have a lot of work ahead of them cleaning up their divisions especially Penn and GSP.

So instead of dreaming, why dont we start trying to actually discuss what middleweight opponent has a shot at fighting Silva next?

WORD TO THAT! We are all talking about future bouts in GSP Penn, etc fights that ARE gonna happen but just not now ya know, soooon i hope in every case, GSP or Penn and GSP Vs PennII, but right now the guy to get right in the cage with Silva will probably be Okami, then Travis Lutter again if he beats Franklin coming up and Jeremy Horn if he can string together two or three W’s by the time Okami and Lutter have gotten there ass’s kicked. Why else would Horn have come back to the UFC’s 185lbs division. Horn took Silva to a 3rd round decision (got worked over but still). Thats reality for you, cant be anymore realistic than that.

by ( ( Adam G ) ) on Mar 4, 2008 1:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

HELLO!!! I think all you people are forgetting about YUSHIN OKAMI!. Yushin Okmai is the only guy that holds a victory over Anderson Silva by DQ in pride. Yushin Okami is the guy imo that can defeat Anderson Silva. They both have similar styles in Muay Thai Kickboxing, they both are 6"²2"²’ and 185lbs and they have the same record of 21 wins with 4 losses.
Okami has never been knocked out or submitted, but Anderson silva has been submitted by Ryo Chonnan(heel hook) and Daiju Takase(triangle Choke) and Carlos Newton came close to submitting Silva untill he got caught with a knee in pride. So my point is untill Anderson Silva defeats Yushin Okami, silva is not the best 185lb fighter. Besides didn’t Silva say he’d like to fight his clone….Okami is as close to anderson silva as you can get.
This fight can be a huge sell as Okami can say that hes the only man to beat Silva in pride.

No.

by Hardcase on Mar 4, 2008 1:37 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

rogerio,kang,misaki,filho,le,shamrock,villasenor…danas stole fighters b4,now im not sayin these guys are attainable or a challenge but?also theres rumours he wants to rectify the okami loss which i could really see happening …..since anderson was dq’d not beaten ….man i’d hate to be yushin on that night….OUCH HE SAID

by KINGGER on Mar 4, 2008 1:46 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

The Spider is proving to be another prodigy, he is tough to beat.

by Sephora MMA fans on Mar 4, 2008 1:56 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

I think machida could take him, silva would not get near him. It would be a clash of great styles.

by UTD on Mar 4, 2008 2:38 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

wanderlei silva was talkin about movin down to MW at some point in the future, Silva vs Silva would be awesome!!!

by krazyivan on Mar 4, 2008 2:39 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

okami will probably get the next title shot, but i would rather see a fight with a slugger.patrick cote or chris leben.

lol, did you miss the first fight Silva had in the UFC? He destroyed Leben in 49 seconds and would do it again. It doesn’t matter that Leben has won a few fights. Still no match for Silva.

by vin on Mar 4, 2008 2:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Thiago Silva is 11-0. He crushed a popular puncher Houston Alexander in the first round. He’s a BJJ black belt and good at Muay Thai. Give him the next best fighter than a title shot.

What the hell are u talking about? apples and Oranges? Tiago Silva fights at 205 lb, Kampman fights at 185 lb….so what does one have to do with the other?

by john on Mar 4, 2008 2:54 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

there a lot of tough competiton but atleast for 2 more years no one is going to defeat SILVA

by daniel on Mar 4, 2008 3:45 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

bj against silva would be awesome. I’m know I’m going to get it for this but I think bj would win. Don’t get me wrong I think silva is one of the best p4p fighter in the word. I just think bj is a better p4p fighter. put them in the same weight class and penn will take it!

-You wont get it from me, i agree! THEY CALL HIM THE PRODIGY FOR A REASON! When he trains and is serious, theres no one better!
Dont under estimate okami either, we dont know what would have happened on the last fight if silva wouldnt have thrown that nasty kick illegally. okami can be very elusive as well, as like chonan, he can sneak up on silva and submit him…

by blah on Mar 4, 2008 4:11 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

JOHN, Anderson Silva is 32 years old

by ViolentMike on Mar 4, 2008 4:16 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Anderson looks like a crackhead in that picture.

by JRV on Mar 4, 2008 4:23 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

A. Silva should move up to LHW and fight Rampage. Silva Kill Rampage in a fight ,Rampage doesn’t do well against people who r good in the clinch and throw knees. and Silva is the best there. Hes better than W.Silva and Shogun.

by Robert on Mar 4, 2008 6:01 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

okami never beat silva in pride, it was a different organization, and i believe that its cage rage? not sure but correct me if im wrong

Rumble on the Rock playa.

by pUniSHment on Mar 4, 2008 7:30 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Yes anderson is a beast, but I still feel gsp could give him a run for his money with the right game plan. I would love to see that fight, gsp is extremely fast, hendo is slow compared to gsp and gsp could easily take anderson down for some ground and pound. I don’t agree with most on this site and feel gsp would stand a very good chance against silva, by using his jab, leg kicks and take downs he might be able to pull it off, but I also thought hendo would beat silva, anderson continues to surprise me.

by nathan on Mar 4, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

chuck lidell is available, silva v lidell is certainly maine event worth even if its not for the title

by skidbuddha on Mar 4, 2008 8:18 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Gsp vs silva is much more of a dream fight to me than hendo vs silva, the answer for silva is speed and wrestling ability, gsp in my opinion is a better “MMA” wrestler than hendo even though hendo is much more accomplished. I actually think the welter weights pose more of a threat to silva than any middle weight, speed and agility is the answer to silva rather that sheer size and weight. I honestly feel if bj penn got silva down he’d be screwed, penn is lethal for anyone if he gets top position, I think penn could submit silva. I feel gsp would be a tougher fight for silva than any middle or welter weight, if machida could make 185 I also think he would be a tough fight for silva, you simply cannot stand if front of silva like hendo did, you’ll get KTFO, plain and simple.

by nathan on Mar 4, 2008 10:12 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

If anyone doubts gsp’s elusive ability, watch his fight with koscheck 3rd round. Koscheck is very fast and athletic and he couldn’t get close to gsp, gsp is very fast on his feet.

by nathan on Mar 4, 2008 10:16 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Thiago Silva vs Anderson Silva would be the best matchup I do not know Which fighter should or could move weight classes.But of all the fighters out there Thiago could beat Anderson Silva and is closer in weight than BJ who also could possibly give Anderson Silva some problems

by gary on Mar 5, 2008 1:23 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

chuck lidell is available, silva v lidell is certainly maine event worth even if its not for the title

YUP! Lidell should cut weight to 185lbs and do the dance!! I dont see him winning but would pay to see ’em stand and trade with Silva for a round or two. Silva would scortch Chuck with kicks all over!

by ( ( Adam G ) ) on Mar 5, 2008 1:24 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Are you ok?

I think he is refering to the Cage that Silva fought Okami in. That is confusing some people to wether or not it was Pride.

by yoububg on Mar 5, 2008 3:25 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA U GOTTA BE JOKEING BJ IS GETTING READY TO GET BEAT DOWN BY SHERK,,,I SAY IT ALMOST HAS TO B BELFORT,,OR MATT HUGHES


Thiago Silva is the man to beat Anderson

by gary on Mar 5, 2008 3:51 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Sherk will lose to BJ

by gary on Mar 5, 2008 5:40 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

penn will embarass sherk in 2 rounds

by wow! on Mar 5, 2008 6:00 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

damian is going to beat anderson.

by Willy W on Mar 5, 2008 9:35 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Dont be suprised but i reckon michael bisping could take him,he is very awkward to keep down and i reckon his stand up and ground and pound would take silva by suprise. Hey who really knows you cant predict our awesome sport anyway thats why we love it.

by lee on Mar 15, 2008 11:49 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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