Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen: 5 Reasons Silva Will Win

On Saturday night, MMA fans around the world will finally be able to witness the rematch they've been wanting for nearly two years.

Anderson Silva, who is now 14-0 inside the Octagon, will face the man who has come closer than anyone else to defeating him at UFC 148.

Many believe that Chael Sonnen is more excited about this fight than the Brazilian. However, as you may have been able to tell during the press conference yesterday, Silva is ready to get his hands on Sonnen as well.

Silva will put his UFC undefeated streak as well as his middleweight championship on the line against Sonnen on Saturday night.

Here are five reasons I believe Silva will leave both undefeated and still the champion.

Silva Learned from His Mistakes

Anderson Silva had never come close to losing inside the Octagon before facing Chael Sonnen at UFC 117.

However, even on the verge of defeat, Silva showed his resiliency and was able to leave UFC 117 victorious. 

Anderson hasn't been decisively defeated since 2003—and for good reason. He improves with every fight and learns from his mistakes.

The same will be said after UFC 148. Silva will learn from his first matchup with Sonnen and once again emerge victorious.

Anderson Is in Chael's Head

Sonnen is known for his trash talk.

Therefore, when Silva exploded last week and said—among other things—that he will "beat Chael like his parents should have," most thought it meant that Silva was upset.

I disagree.

Silva is now playing a mental game with Sonnen. After the UFC 148 conference call and the press conference yesterday, it looks to me like Silva is in Sonnen's head.

Silva Has Something to Prove

Before UFC 117, everybody was talking about Anderson Silva.

Two years later, entering UFC 148, everybody is talking about Chael Sonnen.

When is the last time Anderson Silva had something to prove in his MMA career?

This Saturday, Silva needs to prove he is still the best fighter in the world. To do that, he must defeat Chael Sonnen.

I believe that's all the motivation Silva needs.

Silva's Striking Will Neutralize Sonnen's Wrestling Ability

Nobody knew Chael Sonnen was as good as he is before UFC 117. Nobody gave him a chance.

Being an underdog can play a big part in many fights.

Sonnen is still the underdog when it comes to the betting odds, but he is in no way overlooked anymore.

All Silva has heard about for the last two years is Chael Sonnen. 

Anderson Silva will enter UFC 148 knowing everything there is to know about Chael, and there is nothing Sonnen can do to catch the champion off guard.

Anderson Silva Is the Best Fighter in the World

Chael Sonnen woke up a monster. Since his bout with Sonnen at UFC 117, Silva has finished both his opponents by TKO.

Chael is a great middleweight fighter, but is he the best in the world? No.

Is Anderson Silva? Yes.

Silva might be on his last leg, but until he is defeated, he will remain the best fighter in the world. This fact alone is reason enough to believe Silva will remain UFC middleweight champion following UFC 148.

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