Tag: Anderson Silva

Spinning Back Clique: Our wish list for Anderson Silva’s final two UFC fights

Watch the latest edition of “Spinning Back Clique,” which ponders the possibilities to close out Anderson Silva’s legendary career.

Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. And this week, Simon Head hosts as MMA Junkie’s John Morgan and MMA Junkie Radio’s “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” talk shop.

SHOW TOPICS

  • Cynthia Calvillo made a statement this past weekend at UFC on ESPN 10, defeating No. 1 contender Jessica Eye in her women’s flyweight debut, which puts her in line for a potential title shot already. That got us thinking: Who else could benefit most from moving up a weight class?
  • Do big things come in smaller packages? What we mean by that is, with all the finishes happening across three fight cards held inside the smaller octagon at the UFC Apex, is the size of the cage making all the difference?
  • Former UFC middleweight champion [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag] has two fights left on his contract, and UFC president Dana White admits he’s not sure who “The Spider” will fight to close out his legendary career. Well, we’ve got some ideas.
  • UFC on ESPN 11 takes place this Saturday, with Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov headlining. But as we look ahead, we share one fight on the rest of the card you should be paying close attention to.

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 33 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.

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Dana White unsure how to usher former champ Anderson Silva into retirement

Anderson Silva wants to complete the final two fights on his UFC contract but Dana White doesn’t know how to matchmake the 45-year-old.

[autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag]’s historic MMA career is winding down. The former longtime UFC middleweight champion has two fights remaining on his contract, and he’s made it clear he intends on honoring them before hanging up his gloves.

Silva (34-10 MMA, 17-6 UFC) is currently the oldest fighter on the UFC roster at 45, and despite once going on the longest winning streak in company history at 16 fights, is currently in a stretch of just one victory in his past eight contests.

“The Spider” hasn’t seen action since UFC 237 in May 2019, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Jared Cannonier courtesy of a leg kick. He’s begun to express interest in various fights on social media, meaning his penultimate bout could soon be on the horizon. The problem, though? UFC president Dana White doesn’t know how to match him up.

“I don’t know,” White told ESPN in a recent interview. “I honestly don’t know what to do with his last two fights. When Anderson’s really ready to fight, we’ll sit down and look at it, and we’ll figure out what we thinks makes sense for him next. There’s a lot of things that goes into the decision-making process with an Anderson Silva. His age, what he gets paid – all that stuff’s important.”

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White’s problem is further compounded by the fact the fights Silva has expressed interest in of late do not do much for him. First, it was Silva once again calling for a showdown with Conor McGregor. More recently, a potential clash with Anthony Pettis has been taking headlines after “Showtime” offered to jump to middleweight to make it happen.

The pairing with McGregor has already been dismissed by White, and his tone isn’t much more enthusiastic when it comes to Pettis, leaving him in something of a conundrum.

“I’m not crazy about it,” White said. “You’ve got a guy that fought at 145 pounds and a guy that’s in the conversation for the GOAT at 185 pounds and walks around at 210, 215. It’s not a big fight that really means something. I like making fights that mean something, so I’m not crazy about that fight.”

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Twitter Mailbag: Dana White vs. Jon Jones, Jose Aldo UFC title shot in 2020, more

Who’s right: Dana White or Jon Jones? Why is Jose Aldo getting a title shot? How is the featherweight division going to play out? Who is the G.O.A.T.?

Questions on your mind about recent happenings in MMA or the sport in general? MMA Junkie’s Twitter Mailbag is here – and this week it’s @mma_kings to answer:

  • Who’s take is accurate in the Dana White vs. [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] back-and-forth?
  • How will the top of the UFC featherweight division play out?
  • Who should [autotag]Stephen Thompson[/autotag] fight upon his return?
  • What do you think of [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag]’s recent “G.O.A.T.” rankings?
  • Why is [autotag]Jose Aldo[/autotag] getting the next UFC bantamweight title shot?

Those are answered in the video above. You can also read on a few more topics below.

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Does Dana White care about his “bias” for Conor McGregor?

Quite frankly, it’s hard to prove flat-out, baseless bias. Over the years, UFC president Dana White has tacked up any potentially unusual opportunities Conor McGregor has gotten to the business upside – and justifiably so. At the end of the day, the UFC isn’t in the sports business. Sure, there are some sports characteristics, but first and foremost, the promotion is in the “making money” business. That’s what McGregor is – a walking dollar sign. White has openly used such reasoning in the past. You know when he says, “It’s the fight the fans want to see?” That’s usually true, but it also translates to, “Dolla dolla bill, y’all.”

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If Stipe Miocic is unavailable, who should Daniel Cormier fight for the UFC heavyweight title?

This is a question that I see asked often on Twitter and other social media platforms. I’m glad you asked. Unfortunately, there is no answer, because [autotag]Daniel Cormier[/autotag] has nothing left to prove. Determined to fight once more and walk off into the sunset, “DC” doesn’t need to fight another contender. That won’t do much for his legacy. He wants to edge [autotag]Stipe Miocic[/autotag] out 2-1 in the trilogy. The only other fight Cormier might take, though highly unlikely under the current circumstances, would be against [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag]. Both fighters have seemingly crept away from the prospect of a third meeting in recent months. That said, there’s no fight that would help Cormier elevate his legacy than Jones, his bitter rival.

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What three fights would you book, if you were Dana White?

Great question, Michael. I think I know everything when it comes to matchmaking and who should fight who. Faced with this question, I’m stumped. There are so many great options, but here are my three.

  1. [autotag]Jorge Masvidal[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Kamaru Usman[/autotag]: This fight needs to happen – NEEDS to happen. What a shame it’d be if we lose out the opportunity to see a peak rivalry-driven-yet-merit-based championship fight. Things are getting messy in negotiations, but I’m still hoping this one can get done (in real life). Also, I included this in an attempt to put forth a realistic matchup before this Top 3 goes off the rails.
  2. [autotag]Brock Lesnar[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Francis Ngannou[/autotag]: All right, this one is a bit fantastical, I know. But given your scenario parameters, I don’t think it’s unfair I imagine myself as the best negotiator in MMA history. Anyway, a Lesnar vs. Ngannou matchup would understatedly be something to behold. Two absolute freak individuals who would probably push the limit of the most shared weight inside the cage. It’s the closest thing to an out-of-this-planet experience as we can get. Ngannou wants a big matchup – and I mean, Brock Lesnar has returned from retirement before, right?
  3. [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag]: Yes, I’m a sucker for this one. Hear me out, though. This fight doesn’t make sense, but it doesn’t have to. It makes cents – and a lot of dollars, too. McGregor vs. Silva would be uncharted territory. You’d be hard-pressed to find a fight in the history of the sport between two bigger draws – and that could be done without compromising an entire division or two. Yup. Say what you want, but I’m here for it.

To ask a question of your own, follow @MMAjunkie on Twitter and let us know.

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Anderson Silva pitches idea of Conor McGregor superfight at 176.37 pounds

Anderson Silva announced to the world he’s interested in a fight with Conor McGregor.

Over the span of his illustrious career, former UFC middleweight champion [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag] has seldom name-dropped opponents in order to angle for opportunities.

On Wednesday however, “The Spider” proposed the idea of a 176.37-pound superfight against former UFC double champion [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] on his official Instagram page.

Silva (34-10 MMA, 17-6 UFC) respectfully pitched the fight, calling it ‘historic’ and ‘a great martial (arts) show (translation via Google Translate).

“I have an immense admiration for the great athlete Conor and I believe that a super fight would be something historic for the sport, neither of us need to prove anything to anyone; I believe UFC and sport fans would like to see this great martial (arts) show, testing my martial skills with him would be fantastic!!”

Silva, 45, recently underwent knee surgery as a result of a knee injury sustained in his most recent fight against Jared Cannonier at UFC 237 in May 2019. Silva has only won one fight since losing his title in July 2013 – a controversial split decision over Derek Brunson.

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As for McGregor (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC), the Irish superstar made a triumphant return in January, finishing Donald Cerrone with strikes in 40 seconds.

Since the victory, McGregor has spent time advocating for pandemic safety, while angling for his next matchup. In a recent Twitter thread, McGregor rattled off who he thinks should be considered the greatest MMA fighters of all time. Silva’s name was atop McGregor’s list, though the Irishman vowed to dethrone the Brazilian before his career was up.

Check out Silva’s full Instagram post below:

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Conor McGregor says he’ll ‘easily’ end career as MMA GOAT over Jones, Silva and St-Pierre

Conor McGregor believes there’s currently a debate to be had about who is the greatest fighter in MMA history. But not for long.

[autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] believes there’s currently a debate to be had about who is the greatest fighter in MMA history. When all is said and done, though, he’s it will be a closed case.

McGregor (22-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) insists he will go down as the top fighter ever seen in the sport, with his accomplishments outlasting those of [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Georges St-Pierre[/autotag] and [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag].

“The Notorious” took to Twitter on Saturday morning and posted a thread breaking down where he feels each man stands in the argument of greatest of all time. He detailed his perspective on the accomplishments of each man, but in the long game doesn’t think anyone will stack up to what he’s already done and intends to do going forward (via Twitter):

GOAT THREAD.
The array of finishes, across 2 divisions, with champion status in 1, Anderson Silva is No.1 MMA GOAT.
My array of finishes, across 3 divisions, with champion status in 2, I’m No.2. If not tied 1.
However still active, No.1 is fully secured by career end. And easily.

GSP is in at 3. Much less array of finishes but champion status in 2. He is far behind though. Reasons = Left 170 after much damage taken+questionable decision. Never re-engaged 170lb successors. Bottled Anderson fight. Only moved when one eyed fighter presented. Played safe.

Jon is 4. Maybe tied 3. More array of finishes than 3 and still active, but champion status in just 1. Reasons = Multiple lacklustre decision performances + questionable decision win. Attempting to safe play HW entry/avoiding its champion.

McGregor presents somehwhat reasonable arguments. St-Pierre is retired from MMA and therefor unlikely to add any further credentials. Silva is 45, and while he intends to have at least two more fights, has seen many losses in recent years. Jones, meanwhile, is still very much on top of the game, holding the UFC light heavyweight belt and teasing a move to heavyweight.

When the GOAT discussion comes up, Jones and Silva are often discredited because of the fact they’ve both tested positive for banned substances at multiple points in their career. McGregor acknowledged that, and also pointed to his resume that includes wins over multiple fights who have flagged for performance-enhancing drugs.

I didn’t mentions PED results on multiple entrants, even though that makes me the clear current No.1 MMA GOAT, along with still being active.
Although it shames, as well as puts all runs+finishes in complete doubt, I’ve snored multiple juice heads.
A true GOAT must do it all.

At 31, McGregor still has time to achieve plenty more in the sport. Now it just remains to be seen when and where the Irishman steps back in the octagon.

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Vitor Belfort would love opportunity for crossover fight against Anderson Silva

Vitor Belfort is happy to run things back with numerous former foes, but there’s one in particular that he wants.

[autotag]Vitor Belfort[/autotag] is happy to run things back with numerous former foes, but there’s one fight in particular he wants.

Rich Franklin, Tito Ortiz and Wanderlei Silva all had memorable matchups with Belfort, the newly minted ONE Championship competitor. But when given those names as potential rematches, the former UFC light heavyweight champion added another to the mix.

“I agree 100 percent,” Belfort told MMA Junkie Radio. “I will add one more, I’ll add [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag] if that would be possible.”

Belfort fought Silva, the former longtime UFC middleweight champion, in 2011, but was on the receiving end of one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history.

“The Phenom” would like another opportunity, but Silva still competes under the UFC banner, so it’s highly unlikely that the fight happens, considering UFC president Dana White has made it clear that he’s not into cross-promoting.

Belfort thinks promoters should get beyond that mentality and make it about matchups the fans want to see.

“I think as you start understanding that whatever we did for the sport, we gotta put the politics behind and hoping that the promoters can be open to do this kind of cross fighting and just give to the fans,” Belfort said. “They deserve it.”

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“It’s all about the fans. As a promoter you’re looking for something that guys that pave their way, they deserve to do fights that are going to increase not just the viewership but also the value for the organization but also for the sport.”

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UFC free fight: Anderson Silva mounts incredible comeback over Chael Sonnen to retain title

One of the greatest comebacks in UFC history.

[autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag] was just minutes away from getting dethroned by his arch rival.

Silva put his middleweight title on the line against the brash [autotag]Chael Sonnen[/autotag] at UFC 117 in what would quickly turn into a nightmare for the defending champion.

Sonnen brought it to Silva from the early going, stumbling him with a straight left and taking him down at will. Sonnen dominated the first four rounds and controlled Silva for the majority of the fight.

But with two minutes remaining in the fifth, Silva slapped on a triangle choke that caught Sonnen by surprise. It forced him to tap. A stunned Sonnen lay on the mat. After four-and-a-half rounds of control, Sonnen saw the title slip away in one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history by Silva.

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Silva would leave no doubt in the rematch at UFC 148, putting Sonnen away in the second round for his 10th title defense.

Relive Silva’s incredible comeback win over Sonnen in the video above.

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Anderson Silva plans to fight out UFC contract after successful knee surgery

Former UFC champ Anderson Silva is on the road to a clean bill of health and intends to fight at least twice more before retirement.

Former UFC champ [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag] is on his way to a clean bill of health and intends to fight at least twice more before retirement.

Silva (34-10 MMA, 17-6 UFC), the former longtime middleweight titleholder, has not seen action since a TKO loss to Jared Cannonier at UFC 237 in May 2019. The fight ended when “The Spider” took a leg kick that caused him to buckle and force a referee stoppage.

The Brazilian hasn’t seen action since, and nearly a year later underwent knee surgery. According to ESPN, the operation was a regenerative stem cell procedure on Silva’s right knee. The report states the expected recovery timeline is two weeks before he can resume training.

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Silva posted an update on social media afterward, deeming the surgery a success and promising to fulfill the final two bouts on his current UFC contract.

“I finished my knee surgery; I will recover now,” Silva said on Instagram (translation via MMAFighting.com). “I’m fine, and wanted to thank (for) everyone’s support, and my fans that cheer for me. I’ll be 100 percent soon, and do my two fights in the UFC. I wanted to thank every UFC fan. I finished my surgery and everything is fine, I’m going home. Thanks.”

View this post on Instagram

A cabou. A gora joelho vai tá 100%

A post shared by Anderson "The Spider" Silva (@spiderandersonsilva) on

At 45, Silva is the oldest fighter on the UFC roster. He’s won just once since his historic 185-pound title reign was brought to an end by Chris Weidman in July 2013, going 1-5 with one no contest.

Approaching the 14-year anniversary of his octagon debut, Silva wants to complete his contractual obligations with the UFC. A date or potential opponent for his penultimate bout have not been determined at this time.

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Video: Relive the best triangle choke finishes in UFC history

Watch the best triangle choke submissions in UFC history, including Anderson Silva’s memorable comeback finish over Chael Sonnen.

Arguably the greatest comeback in UFC history came courtesy of a triangle choke from one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Former UFC middleweight champion [autotag]Anderson Silva[/autotag] was tearing through the competition until UFC 117, where he met the brash [autotag]Chael Sonnen[/autotag], who took him to the brink of defeat.

After more than four rounds of dominant top control, Sonnen was on the verge of dethroning Silva until the moment when, with under two minutes remaining in the fight, Silva threw up his legs, wrapped up a triangle choke and submitted Sonnen for one of the most memorable title fight comebacks in UFC history.

Some of the UFC’s most prolific submission artists such as Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone have notched multiple wins using the triangle choke. For those who haven’t seen all of the finishes, we won’t spoil who won, but the compilation includes the following bouts:

  • Tony Ferguson vs. Kevin Lee – UFC 216 (Oct. 7, 2017)
  • Nate Diaz vs. Kurt Pellegrino – UFC Fight Night 113 (Apr. 2, 2008)
  • Michael Chiesa vs. Anthony Pettis – UFC 226 (July 7, 2018)
  • Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen – UFC 117 (Aug. 7, 2010)
  • Donald Cerrone vs. Evan Dunham – UFC 167 (Nov. 16, 2013)
  • Nate Diaz vs. Alvin Robinson – UFC Fight Night 12 (Jan. 23, 2008)
  • Bob Gilstrap vs. Carlos Newton – UFC 17 (May 15, 1998)
  • Megan Anderson vs. Zarah Fairn – UFC 243 (Oct. 6, 2019)
  • Royce Gracie vs. Dan Severn – UFC 4 (Dec. 16, 1994)
  • Donald Cerrone vs. Alex Oliveira – UFC Fight Night 83 (Feb. 21, 2016)
  • Diego Brandao vs. Brian Ortega – UFC 195 (Jan. 2, 2016)
  • Scott Baker vs. Jason Delucia – UFC 2 (Mar. 11, 1994)
  • Kelly Dullanty vs. Matt Serra – UFC 36 (Mar. 22, 2002)
  • Andy Ogle vs. Charles Oliveira – UFC Fight Night 36 (Feb. 15, 2014)

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