Thiago Silva: the Other Silva at 205

Thiago Silva is 13-0 in his professional Mixed Martial Arts career.

With four bouts in the UFC, Silva, a San Paulo, Brazilian native, and a former member of one of the greatest camps of all time, Chute Boxe, is quickly climbing the ladder of the stacked Light Heavyweight division.

Funny, I know, that a former Chute Boxe member named Silva is climbing the ranks of the MMA world.

Without any of those fights going to a third round, Silva has looked impressive in his last four fights. He Silva has actually only been pushed into a third round once, which resulted in the only decision of his pro career.

Silva is the stereotypical Chute Boxe product— a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has above average Muay Thai. His striking is crisp, technical and extremely dangerous. His BJJ is just as good, making Silva one of the most dangerous men to fight.

Silva has stopped Houston Alexander, James Irvin, Thomasz Drwal, and his latest victim, Antonio Mendes.

Silva was the guy the UFC organization tapped to see if Houston Alexander was the real deal. The fight was short lived, ending at the 3:25 mark of the first round. Silva controlled most of the fight and once it hit the ground, it was over. Silva eventually got the mount and pounded out Alexander.

It’s time Silva gets a chance to prove he’s ready for a bigger and better future. It's time Joe Silva gives him a top tier guy at 205. I'm not saying Thiago Silva is ready for a title shot, but I do think it's time he steps up in the competition.

So, who would fit the bill? There a several guys that would be a good match-up and an interesting test for Silva.

Jardine verses Silva? This would be a chance for Keith Jardine to beat an upcoming guy and prove that Wand would have destroyed anybody that stepped in the cage that night. If Silva beats Jardine then he moves up again and gets a shot at a guy like Machida, Wand or Liddell.

 Rashard Evans  would also be a good match-up for Silva. It definetly would be Evans biggest test to date. We would see how good Evans Jiu-Jitsu is.

I would also, be intrigued to see a Silva versus Sokudjou. It would be interesting to see if Soku could handle Silva on the ground. Some say “no” and it would end in either Silva pounding Soku out or submitting him.

Whoever the opponent is, it's time to give Silva a chance to step up and be the player to beat in the Light Heavyweights.