In a previous article I said that the newly crowned middleweight champion of Strikeforce Cung Le is probably the best striker short of Anderson Silva. With an impressive resume both in K1 and as a mixed martial artist, Cung Le is yet to meet a real rival in the stand-up game.
However, MMA isn't just about stand up and it doesn't really seem like any of his opponents have made the conscious effort to take the fight to the ground. Anderson Silva, on the other hand has fought and finished fights everywhere. When it all boils down, who would win in a fight?
Cung Le: 6-0-0 with all wins coming via (T)KO. Cung Le is a Shan Shou fighter and gained popularity from said matches, which are, simply speaking, kickboxing matches with take downs, but no ground game. He is known for his scissor kick take down as well as his incredible powerful and unorthodox kicks. His main attack seem to be roundhouse kicks (which were the cause of Frank Shamrock's broken arm) and side kicks to the ribs and abdomen.
Le has a amateur background in wrestling and, so far, does an adequate job of avoiding take downs. He is yet untested versus a high level submission fighter, but few are able to get past his striking, which keep most fighters from shooting in.
- B/R Ticket Guide
To date, Le's only true competition in terms of a high caliber fighter has been Frank Shamrock, who refused to fight a ground game and suffered the consequences.
Anderson Silva: 21-4-0 with 12 wins by(T)KO, 4 by submission and 5 by decision. His losses include 2 by submission, 1 by decision and 1 by DQ due to an illegal kick. Silva is an acclaimed Muay Thai kickboxer and a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the Nogueira brothers. He is known for his powerful clinch and knee strikes, but also for his pinpoint accuracy with both punches and kicks. He is an incredibly patient fighter who rarely comes out on the offensive, instead opting to size up his opponent before striking.
What really has to be said about Anderson Silva that hasn't already been said? He is the best middleweight fighter in the world and possible the best pound for pound fighter in MMA, maybe even ever.
Silva's resume is a whose who of great fighters including, but not limited to: Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, Nate Marquart, Travis Lutter, Jeremy Horn and Carlos Newton. Not only does it seem like Silva has been able to make the transition that few Pride fighters have been able to do in crossing over into the Octagon, he has made it his home. In 6 fights he is yet to have a match go past the second round and shows no signs of giving up his belt any time soon.
Predictions: This would be an excellent stand up fight. On one side you have Cung Le, a man who is very good at keeping fighters at a distance using his kicks and on the other you have Silva, who is very good at getting fighters in his clinch.
If Silva is able to move in, never mind his height and reach advantage which could result in a KO due to punches, Cung Le is also excellent at take downs. However, it would be like stepping out of the frying pan and into the fire. Silva is far too experienced a submission fighter for Le on the ground. Le would do best by trying to keep Silva at a distance with his kicks and hope for an act of God.
Result: Anderson isn't going to have to worry about a third round here either. While this fight could end quickly with a knockout from Silva's punches (ask Chris Leben about those), I could see this fight making it to the second round before Silva ends it with a submission on the ground.
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7 months ago
How likely is it that this fight could occur with Dana White's refusal to cross promote fights with other organizations. It would be a great one to watch, though. Guess fight fans can wish.
from 7 months ago
Personally, I can't really see this fight happening regardless. Le wouldn't be ranked high enough to get a shot in the UFC. However, if he were to beat, say, Travis Lutter or Rich Franklin he might prove a bit of worthiness.
Defeating a fighter that refuses to go to the ground out of some strange over-inflated ego doesn't prove much.
7 months ago
dont be silly silva would eat this clown up after a fight with hederson fraklin lutter ect
7 months ago
If Silva wins I doubt it's by submission. Cung is not going to engage him on the ground and Silva's takedowns are likely not good enough to put Cung, an All-American Collegiate Wrestler, on his back. Also, Cung is not Chris Leben. He's a very technical striker whose defense is as good as his offense. He's never been KO'd in Pro or amateur combat sports. I see Cung picking Silva apart with body kick/high kick combos, neck wrestling his way out of the clinch given his Muay Thai experience or even throwing him and getting back to his feet. Le's counter striking could be more effective against Silva than Chonan's was. I don't expect any Flying Leg Scissor Heel Hooks despite Cung's love for the scissors but I could see him taking a 5 round decision. Either way this would be an unforgettable standup war.
from 7 months ago
True, Cung Le has never been knocked out, but he has never faced a striker like Silva. Also, his defense isn't that good as shown in the Shamrock fight. He keeps his hands low and it susceptible to punches. Shamrock just didn't capitalize on his opportunities.
7 months ago
Chug Lee needs to fight someone first, give your head a shake.
6 months ago
he will never get tested in elite extreme, they will just feed him bums and claim hes invincible. lol
5 months ago
This would be a dream fight for me. I'm a huge fan of both Cung Le and Silva. This would be an excellent fight.
from 5 months ago
I believe Silva would come out on top over Le just because of his experience.
4 months ago
silva is better but all it takes is one of those high kicks and silva is done
2 months ago
I HAVE SEEN BOTH FIGHTERS' FIGHTS MANY TIMES, I THINK sILVA IS REALLY GOOD, ONLY THING IS WITH CUNG LANDING MANY TARGETS ON SILVA, THAT MAY CHANGE SILVA'S NORMALLLY CONFIDENT MENTALLITY WHICH IS VERY CRITICAL TO A FIGHTER IN THE RING, SO I THINK CUNG HAS A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF WINING, ALSO CUNG IS TRAINING TO ADD MORE DAMAGING TO HIS KICKS WHEN THEY LAND. LE SAID HE'S TRAING TO KICK THROUGH HIS OPPONENNTS BLOCKS. IT WOULD BE INTERESTING, I AM ROOTING FOR THE UNDERDOG aMERICAN FIGHTER, CUNG LE.
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