There has been a lot of talk about who Anderson Silva should fight against in his last five fights as a UFC athlete. Some people say it should be against top contenders, some say it should be for titles, I'm going to go another route and pick which fights I think would be the best match-ups.
With only five remaning fights in his career, I feel the opponents need to be picked strategically. If Silva takes the Light Heavyweight belt to soon, it will slow down the weight class, assuming no one can take the belt back from him. Also, while holding the belt at both 185 Lbs. and 205 Lbs. is exciting, and a great accomplishment, it may bring both divisions to a halt.
The first step Silva should take is to relinquish his belt at 185 Lbs. This will not only let him focus on taking over the 205 Lbs division, but it will also open up doors for the rest of the Middleweights. Once Silva has his weight steady as a Light Heavyweight, his fights should go like this...(right about now you should all be seeing that TV effect when a character thinks of something, just imagine it).
1) Houston Alexander
Please don't yell at me yet, let me explain my pick, and then yell at me. While Alexander has lost his last three fights in the Octagon, and many of you probably think he doesn't "deserve" a shot at Silva, he is still a good fighter. He is explosive, powerful, and has good hands. I wouldn't pick him to win, but it would be a good fight.
At his current state skill-wise, Alexander may not be as exciting as I think, but I don't think he's been sitting around watching TV and stuffing his face with cupcakes since his last loss. With a few months of "counter-Silva" training, he should be able to stand up with Silva for at least a round or two.
2) Lyoto Machida
I know that Silva and Machida are friends and all, but this fight has to happen. Machida is an animal in the octagon, a calm, composed animal, but an animal none the less. Machida is undefeated, and his fighting style shows why. He is very hard to predict, and has the heart of a warrior. I don't believe that anyone can go their whole career without losing a fight, and who better to lose to than the Spider?
I can't predict an outcome for this fight just yet, but I can't at all see it being boring. Both fighters will make it exciting standing up, and I can imagine some crazy submission escapes and counters if the fight goes to the ground. The fight is long overdue, and will also set up my last pick (can you guess what it is? No? Then you're not paying attention, focus).
3) Forrest Griffin
By making this pick, I'm assuming Griffin loses the title to Rashad Evans. Forrest is a good striker, and as of now is a big face in the Light Heavyweight division. While I don't think the fight itself will be so incredibly exciting, I do believe the two names will draw a crowd, and money is king in the UFC.
Again I pick Silva to win, but I don't think he will dominate. Griffin can take a punch, and oddly enough thinks there are jokes written on the ends of people's fists, so he shouldn't go down to easily. I could see this fight going the distance.
4) Rashad Evans
With two fights left, a title shot seems in order. A
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about 1 month ago
Houston would be a good "tomato can" opponent. You really think Silva will fight Machida, not once but twice?! I do hope they fight once though, although I am not holding my breath. Good creativity Joe!
from about 1 month ago
I think they'll fight because it catches the fan's attention. Maybe not twice, but I couldn't really think of anyone for Silva to fight second. I really don't think people give Alexander the credit he deserves. The guy kicks ass, and records don't always speak the truth. Like they say in golf; "there are no pictures on the score-card".
from about 1 month ago
I can't agree on that, which is a shame 'cause this is one fight I really want to see.
Anderson Silva, regardless of how good a fighter he is, is not a PPV draw. Lyoto Machida is not exciting enough as a personality or as a fighter to market fully as far as the UFC are concerned.
If Silva really is retiring, they'll want to make as much money as they can with him, which means Liddell, Jackson, W Silva, possibly GSP and Griffin.
from about 1 month ago
I see where you're coming from, and in the back of my mind I know it's gonna happen. I wrote this based on my personal preference, and what would make a good match-up in the eyes of real UFC fans. The casual fan has brought down the UFC considerably in the past year or so.
about 1 month ago
I agree with 3 picks, Machida,Griffin,and Evans. But if i had to chose it'd go something like this:
1. Griffin-assuming he loses to evans
2.Evans-title match
3.Machida-i agree and would love to see Machida V.S. Silva
4.Rampage-i believe both men would go at it,assuming Rampage beats Wandy and learns how to defend the clinch
5.GSP-simply because this fight would be an epic final battle for Silva
Maybe GSP 1st but you get the jist of it right........
Houston Alexander would be a good fight but not as a final 5 opponent,UFC is looking for high profile matches only!
from about 1 month ago
I hear you on the GSP thing, but the whole reason I picked only 205ers, is because I want the Middleweight division to start fresh title-wise. Silva Vs. Rampage is almost for sure going to happen, I just didn't pick it because I don't want to see it. I was a fan of Rampage in Pride, but I hate him in the UFC. If not for casual fans wanting to see big guys box, he would still be in Pride. I knew that most people wouldn't see it my way on the Alexander pick. I just like his style, and I think someone who is fast and strong like him could match up well against a retiring Silva.
about 1 month ago
Can you imagine the UFC giving us the fights we really want to see, even if it means they make less money in the short-run? A great thought, but...
An alien spacecraft will land in my back yard before that happens with any semblance of consistency.
from about 1 month ago
I know, there isn't much chance of the UFC trying to please it's real fans. Maybe if you're free you can have one of your famous "tea times" with Mr. White, who knows, maybe we'd be able to see these fights after all. P.S. If the alien thing happens, take lots of pictures.
about 1 month ago
"espresso time" between Dana, Ferttita, and my Uncle Frank and his "advisers allegedly" already took place in Uncle Paulie's chop-shop (borgota) in Newark.
What Dana and Ferttita look like now is anybody's guess.
I heard "negotiations" was a "grueling process." However, Dana may concede on a couple of his 31 ways in which to foul during a UFC fight. Additionally, Uncle Frank (through hearsay) is not pleased that the top half of the heavyweight division has a 265-pound limit.
My next article will expand on what the Frankie "The Grip" Lupoli "contract" proposal "allegedly" contains.
about 1 month ago
"espresso time" between Dana, Ferttita, and my Uncle Frank and his "advisers allegedly" already took place in Uncle Paulie's chop-shop (borgota) in Newark.
What Dana and Ferttita look like now is anybody's guess.
I heard "negotiations" was a "grueling process." However, Dana may concede on a couple of his 31 ways in which to foul during a UFC fight. Additionally, Uncle Frank (through hearsay) is not pleased that the top half of the heavyweight division has a 265-pound limit.
My next article will expand on what the Frankie "The Grip" Lupoli "contract" proposal "allegedly" contains.
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