By Joe Fernandez
Newsday.com
I don't know what to tell ya.
I'm thinking maybe Yushin Okami. Maybe Chris Leben a second time around. But I don't know what to tell ya.
I don't think there's anyone in the UFC right now that can see the third round against Anderson Silva, never mind beating him.
On Saturday, Silva choked out former Pride 185-pound and 205-pound champion Dan Henderson to successfully defend his middleweight belt at UFC 82. Henderson is as polished and professional as they come. His cauliflower ears tell a story of endless experience on the mat, and his quickness to fight against opponents much bigger than himself tells the story of his heart and courage. But Silva withstood a first-round body-lock takedown and subsequent grounding-and-pounding and completely turned around the fight in the second.
I enjoy playing UFC matchmaker here on the blog, looking two-three moves ahead. But this time, I really don't know. I've haven't seen a UFC champion dominate a division like this since Chuck Liddell had his run of seven straight wins from April 2004 to December 2006.
The UFC might need a 205er to drop down to get this title. I would like to see a rejuvenated Leben fight Silva again. The former Ultimate Fighter cast member looks to be in the best shape of his life and outbrawled former professional boxer Alessio Sakara on Saturday. True Leben got knocked out by Silva in the Brazilian's UFC debut, but Leben has the chin and the "Rocky Balboa"-right-in-your-face game plan that I think would have a chance against the champ. Fighters can't sit back and let Silva pick them apart. Even Okami, who is big for his weight class, might be able to out-muscle Silva.
Either that or throw another world class wrestler, like Hendo, at Silva. Maybe he would have a chance of taking the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt down, laying in side control long enough to earn a decision.
By the way, sorry to all my readers for being away from the blog for so long. I was at a Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition and while going for a throw, I tore the ACL in my knee. I had the surgery. Now I'm going through the brutal but very very helpful physical therapy and I'm working my way back to the mats. I'll do my best to keep the blog fun and informative. Thanks to Hank and Katie for keeping the blog rolling while I was out of the pocket. And thanks to all of you out there that enjoy reading my words and continue to leave comments and opinions. Remember...this is your blog too. J
Comments (1)
I live in Hawaii, and Chris Leben is in better shape and more focused than ever. He should be in line soon.
There's some guys outside of the UFC I'd like to see, such as Jason Miller or Robbie Lawler, take a shot at A. Silva. But within the UFC, Yushin Okami seems to be the only guy currently on an extended hot streak and up for a title shot.
Perhaps if Wanderlei Silva beats Keith Jardine and then cuts down to 185, he could be matched up with Anderson Silva in a pretty dynamic and marketable competition.