Following yet another one sided dominating performance at UFC 134 in his native country of Brazil, Anderson Silva stands on top of the world. With him having relatively cleaned out his remaining opponents (excluding a winner between his nemesis, Chael Sonnen and Brian Stann challenging him) with his schalcking of Yushin Okami Saturday night, its clear that while another year older at 36, he still knows how to pick his opponents apart and at will. Its clear, that when its all said and done, people may reciprocate the worlds of UFC President Dana White, who has called "The Spider" the greatest athlete to ever grace the centre of the Octagon.
But, with his challengers dwindling and him getting older in the tooth, Its clear Silva will not be around forever. Even at times during his fight with Okami, he looked fatter and older, with his face with bags underneath. While his precision was still there, a year or 2 from now, it may not be. While a potential superfight between Silva and current welterweight kingpin Georges St. Pierre has long been discussed, it appears now there is another argument for a superfight between Silva and current Light Heavyweight kingpin, Jon "Bones" Jones, and Silva as a heavyweight attraction would be catch some attention against the likes of Cain Velasquez.
So, in the meantime, while Silva is cementing his legacy reaping in dollars from the likes of Nike and Burger King, let's talk hypotheticals : Who would give Silva the greatest challenge in a Superfight, and why?
First, let's look at Georges St. Pierre. Its clear that GSP is strong in the one department Silva is lacking, that being wrestling, and its clear that the UFC has run short of opponents for him to fight as well (to the point Nick Diaz parlayed his boxing aspirations into a title shot versus the French Canadian later this year). Like Silva, GSP has also defended his belt at least 6 times, and carries an impressive winning streak (8 victories) into a fight versus Silva.
Pros : This fight would bring huge revenues for the UFC in terms of mere PPV buys, with it being more of an international flair, being Canada vs Brazil. Also, it would be a definite fight of different methods, with GSP trying to use his superior Ground and Pound against Silva.
Cons : GSP being a welterweight would mean he'd have to come up to 185, which would be no problem as he usually cuts about 5-10 pounds to fight anyway. However, he'd probably look smaller against Silva, which means Anderson would have strength advantage and St. Pierre would likely put up against the cage and get carved up.
Why this fight won't happen : Dana White likes something to tease us with. They'll keep fighting contenders left and right until one of them calls it a career.
Next, we have current Light Heavyweight kingpin, Jon "Bones" Jones.
Pros : New York would be stupid to not sanction MMA in time for this potential blockbuster. MSG would sell out, groups would convene on Times Square to watch on the JumboTron, and media from all over could attend the weigh-ins at the Plaza Hotel, with the feel of an old-school big time prize fight. They are the 2 most raw athletes in MMA, with Silva throwing front kicks and Jones cutting the angles down, swinging with wild spinning backfists.
Cons : Jones is merely 23 years old, and The UFC I'm sure wants him to mature before there is any "Greatest ever" talk. They'll clearly want to coddle him, make sure he gets some more experience under his belt, and then go after just about anybody they can throw at him. Which means, by that time, Anderson will be in his 40s.
Why this fight won't happen : New York is still pretty stupid. And Jon Jones is still pretty young. Plus, he hasn't defended the title yet.
Finally, we have Cain Velasquez
Pros : I hear the UFC wants to sell out a 100,000 seat stadium in Brazil in Sao Paolo in time for UFC 150. Assuming their career and title reigns last that long, would it be too crazy to assume that he make a move up to heavyweight, to challenge Velasquez for the title? Heavyweight fights always sell, and having just about the biggest Mixed Martial Artist in the world today in the only weight class that matters would clearly do wonders.
Cons : Velasquez is bigger, stronger and meaner. Silva might dance around for a round or 2, but the cardio and iron will of the Arizona State grad would prevail, him overpowering Silva with a healthy dose of takedowns and ground and pound.
Why this fight won't happen : Velasquez will lose before he has the chance to talk about this superfight. And Silva will probably retire.
-In other news, MMAJunkie reported that UFC 134 was watched by over 30 million fans in Brazil, with the arena being sold out for weeks at 17,000 strong at the HSBC arena. Plans for an international office in Rio are in the inital stages, as well as a 100,000 seat stadium show for 2012. In this MMArmaggedist's words, This is to die for.
-Resurrected MMA outfit PROElite held its first show in Honolulu, Hawaii on Saturday night. The Main event featured former UFC fighters Kendall Grove and Joe Riggs put on an entertaining affair, with the TUF alum Grove winning via standing guillotine choke at just 59 seconds of round 1. As well, former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski ended what was the worst losing streak of his career, winning via TKO over Ray Lopez. Yes, after all those losses, Arlovski needed a can of some sort to restore his confidence. Wonder if Fedor is next?
-It turns out that Alistair Overeem might be headed for the Octagon. In an article posted here last month, I mentioned that The Golden Glory product and former Strikeforce Champion might parlay his K-1 and Boxing aspirations into a UFC contract. True to form, ESPN.com/Sherdog and MMAJunkie are reporting that the talkways are open between "The Demoltion Man" and Zuffa, and we might see Overeem in the Octagon sooner rather than later. Whether he turns it into a title shot remains to be seen.
Questions? Comments? Want to get back to me? Leave a comment at the bottom of the page or feel free to email me at mmarmaggeddon@gmail.com you can also follow me on twitter, at twitter.com/mmarmaggedon
Until next time, fight fans!
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