Top 5 Finishes of Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva

Anderson Silva is considered the GOAT by many within the MMA community as well as within the mainstream pubic. The Brazilian champion holds the record for the longest winning streak in UFC history at 16. Not to mention, he was looked at as a phenom for a major chunk of his initial run in the company. Let’s take a look at some of the best finishes ‘The Spider’ has chartered in the octagon.

UFC 117: Silva vs Sonnen I

‘The Spider’ arguably holds the ranks for having one of the most exciting finishes in UFC history in his win over Chael Sonnen. The two had an intense rivalry going into the fight and ‘The American Gangster’ delivered on his promise to bring the fight to ‘The Spider’. MMA fans watched as Sonnen dominated Silva on the ground and even stumbled him several times on the feet.

However, Anderson showed his championship metal when he would submit Chael Sonnen via Triangle Armbar in the dying moments of the fight. The finish came at 03:10 of the fifth round and helped Silva retain his championship.

UFC 126: Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort

The two Brazilian icons clashed head to head at the Mandalay Bay Center in Las Vegas for the middleweight strap. Silva was fresh off his hard-fought victory and was keen to jump back into a dominant position as the divisional champion. Moreover, the finish he earned over Belfort would live on in infamy and cement his legacy going forward.

Anderson utilized technical movement to stump Vitor, who was an explosive and dangerous puncher in close range. ‘The Spider’ successfully baited Belfort into dropping his guard and went on the crack his Brazilian foe with a front kick to the jaw. Vitor Belfort crumbled to the canvas and was unconscious before he even reached the ground.

UFC 101: Declaration- Anderson Silva vs Forrest Griffin

Anderson’s stock was gradually rising and fans were excited to see him matched up with a legend in Griffin. The bout was the true coming-out party for casual fans who weren’t sold on his skills. Anderson Silva displayed ‘Matrix’ level movement inside the cage and went on to KO Griffin whilst looking virtually invincible.

‘The Spider’ did the unthinkable and walked his way backward while KO’ing Forrest Griffin. In turn, the TUF 1 winner in Griffin tried to land effectively but wasn’t able to lay a finger on Anderson Silva.

UFC Fight Night 5- Leben vs Silva

The future Hall of Famer,  Anderson Silva made his debut against Chris Leben back in June 2006. The Brazilian fighter was expected to make massive waves in the UFC following his performances in Pride FC and Cage Rage. What’s more, he delivered in more ways than one when he stopped Leben in just 49 seconds.

The end was initiated by a perfectly placed knee that would become a staple throughout his career. Silva managed to knock the wind of Leben’s sails and Chris was rocked on multiple occasions. He was too durable for his own good as Anderson kept peppering him with beautifully timed and placed precision strikes.

UFC 82- Pride of a champion

‘The Spider’ was matched up against the Olympian wrestler, Dan Henderson, back in March 2008. Henderson was expected to give Anderson Silva the hardest test of his career due to his dangerous wrestling. Moreover, he had tremendous power in both hands and was lethal in a tight range.

However, Dan Henderson fell like most others as he couldn’t keep up with Silva’s speed. Not to mention he was dropped to the canvas and ‘The Spider’ followed up with a tight RNC towards the end of the second round of their contest. The bout was yet another reminder of the versatility that Silva possessed from the get-go.

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