WHEN TAKING A closer look at the superstars of the UFC, the first port of call has to be the current middleweight champion, and many people’s number one in the pound- for-pound rankings, Anderson “The Spider” Silva.
The Sao Paulo native is one of the new era of superstars to don the mantle of previous Brazilian legend Royce Gracie. His tall frame, long limbs and elusive style of fighting have earned him the nickname “The Spider” and he has an impressive professional MMA record of 30wins and 4 losses, 13-0 in the UFC.
Records
The current holder of the UFC record for the most successful title defences, aswell as the most consecutive title defences, Silva has built the longest winning streak in UFC history.
After he exploded onto the MMA scene in America by defeating TUF season 1 winner Chris Leben in just 50 seconds back in 2006, the Brazilian has gone from strength to strength, seemingly getting better with every fight.
He took the middleweight title belt from Rich Franklin in just his second fight in the organisation and hasn’t looked back since, overcoming the likes of Dan Henderson, Vitor Belfort and Chael Sonnen in the process.
His performance against Forrest Griffin was one of the most memorable in recent years due to the relative ease he had overcoming the one-time top contender, laying him out with a stiff jab while on the back foot.
Controversy
Silva’s rise to the top has not always been met with widespread approval.
His confidence inside the Octagon has sometimes bordered on arrogance, and his relaxed demeanour, in tandem with his public reticence, has even led to him being criticised by Dana White for not fighting.
“The Spider” has regularly been booed during bouts for failing to engage and has been warned by referees on numerous occasions. As well as this, his refusal to communicate in English, despite having an acceptable grasp of the language, has alienated many fans.
Despite the controversies, he is always spectacular in victory and, sometimes, even in defeat. Despite dominating his fight with Ryo Chonan in Pride in 2004, Silva got caught with a flying scissor heel hook. And yes, it looks every bit as impressive as it sounds.
Silva suffered his last defeat, in 2006, in unusual circumstances. After catching his opponent, Yushin Okami, flush with an up-kick from guard, an illegal move when both the opponent’s knees are grounded, the Japanese was unable to continue and handed the TKO victory.
Silva claimed the rules were not properly explained to him before the bout, but he has a chance to reverse that result when the two face off again, at the next UFC event in Rio de Janeiro on 27 August.
