Simply put, Anderson Silva (6-0 UFC) is the epitome of true MMA fighter. He has destroyed everyone in his path on his way to gaining and defending the UFC Middleweight title. No fights going passed the second round. If that isn't dominance, then I don't know what is.
It isn't like this guy has defeated slouches either. His list of victims includes Dan Henderson, Rich Franklin (twice), Nate Marquardt, Travis Lutter, and Chris Leben.
James Irvin (5-3 UFC) is one of those fighters who hasn't really proved much in his time in the UFC. While he is coming off of an 8 second knockout over Houston Alexander, he hasn't really "wow'ed" me as a fighter. His fight previous to Alexander was a first round win via DQ (can't prove much there).
And previous to that, he had a first round loss when he blew out his knee. That was a combined 3:05 of fighting in this last year. Silva hasn't fought much more, but the quality of opponents he went up against was far beyond that of Irvin. He is going to have his hands more then full going up against Anderson.
People are saying that Anderson will be a little out of shape and slower at 205. While I agree that he will look slightly chunkier (he never looked 100% ripped at Middleweight), I don't think he will be slower at all. He is a natural athlete and a constant performer.
As for the clinch, we have seen Anderson's clinch game at work many times in the past. Everyone remember that ex math teacher/MW Champion who he destroyed with knees from the clinch? If not, see the article headline photo. Enough said about that. Irvin is delusional if he feels he has the upper hand here, advantage goes to Anderson from the clinch.
In short, Anderson via brutal TKO in round one. Remember folks, you heard it here.
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about 1 month ago
Irvin trains a lot in Thailand, if you don't think he might have an answer for the clinch, then that is just crazy.
about 1 month ago
That may be so, but he hasn't shown the amount of clinch work that Anderson has in UFC thus far.
about 1 month ago
Its going to be down to who is quicker, because both are thai fighters. Anderson is going to be way faster then Irvin
about 1 month ago
Irvin has a "Punchers Chance"! He is a strong striker and very athletic. While it is possible that he catches Anderson with ine of his explosive fight ending shots, I do certainly see Anderson winning!
28 days ago
If an 8 second KO doesnt WOW you what would? If he beat the hell out of the guy in the parking lot before the fight! He also has a 9 second KO with a flying knee on Terry Martin. This guy that doesnt impress you has RAW KO POWER! and has knocked out almost everyone he has fought. Unfortunatly he made a mistake very early with Silva, and payed for it dearly.
Anderson Silva is one of my favorite fighters and I believe he is the best p4p fighter right now. However it does bother me people discredit Irvin as a fighter, He was a game opponent. As is Silva at 205 he will be the LHW and MW champ soon, and Im sure someone will find a way to discredit his accomplishment.
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