Silva vs. Sonnen 2: 10 Reasons Anderson Silva Will Ruin Chael Sonnen at UFC 148

Expect those fireworks not just on July 4^th but also on July 7^th, when Anderson Silva will defend his UFC Middleweight Title against Chael Sonnen.

“Silva vs. Sonnen 2” rematch, one of the most anticipated fights of the year, is only five days away.

The anticipation stems from their last confrontation, which ended with Silva forcing Sonnen to submit to a triangle chokehold. 

Sonnen controlled the fight for four rounds and he’s been begging for the rematch ever since that night. 

Now, Sonnen will get his.

But the outspoken No. 1 contender might have gone too far with his taunts at Silva.  The UFC Middleweight Champion has more to prove, and he will come Saturday.

Here are 10 reasons why Anderson Silva will destroy Chael Sonnen. 

10. Embarrassment

Silva should have felt embarrassed after his first encounter with Sonnen.

Through four rounds, Sonnen controlled their first fight at UFC 117. 

The official scorecard marked Sonnen landing 89 strikes and 3 takedowns compared to Silva’s 29 strikes and one takedown.  He won every round before the fifth.

Sonnen was so close in winning that fight, if it had gone to decision. Sonnen could have become the new Middleweight Champion.

Silva will not let that happen again.  He’s too motivated to let himself be dominated again.   

9. Game Plan

Silva will have a new game plan for Sonnen.

His fights improved after Sonnen because he reverted to the same dominant game plan. 

The 37-year-old champion knocked out Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 with a front kick, which marked Belfort’s first knockout loss in 28 fights.

Silva then finished Yushin Okami at UFC 134 in the second round.  He landed 43 strikes to Okami’s 16. 

The champion should have these types of performances on Saturday night.

8. Reputation

Silva has a reputation to defend.

He is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA.  He has held his Middleweight Championship since 2006.

Silva’s beaten a who’s who of former champions in both the middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions in impressive fashion, namely Rich Franklin and Forrest Griffin

He finished Franklin twice and knocked out and embarrassed Griffin.

Silva made Dan Henderson submit to unify the UFC and PRIDE Middleweight Titles.

As arguably the best MMA fighter, he needs to demolish Sonnen.

7. Inner Turmoil

Despite his celebrity status in his native Brazil, Anderson Silva lives a private life.

Even though he goes out and has fun with his friends, he keeps that same calm demeanor.

Sonnen talks to get into the champion’s head. 

Just because a man is calm doesn’t mean he’s ignoring you.

It still burns in Silva’s mind.  He won’t ever let Sonnen dominate him like that again.

6. 100%

According to Silva’s head trainer Ramon Lemos on UFC Primetime, Silva was not 100% percent in their first fight.

Silva worked through a rib injury during his first bout with Sonnen.

Ed Soares, Silva’s manager, told Silva he didn’t have to fight that night but Silva insisted. 

The rib injury could have been a factor in the first Silva/Sonnen fight. 

Now, Silva’s camp claims he’s 100%.  If that’s the case, then Chael Sonnen is in trouble. 

5. Striking

Silva is considered the best striker in MMA.  If a fighter lands more strikes than Silva, that person is very fortunate.

As mentioned earlier, Sonnen landed 89 strikes to Silva’s 29.  He made the best striker look normal compared to earlier fights.

Sonnen didn’t just nearly take the fight.  He controlled Silva at this important aspect of the game.

Silva needs to prove Sonnen isn’t the better striker. 

He must prove to the world he is the best striker.

Silva wants this to end by knockout.  He would definitely prefer it to end that way.

4. Intensity & Composure

Both men will be intense during this fight, but judgment can cloud minds.

Sonnen talked a lot to get his rematch actually believing he’s better than Silva.

Sonnen shows his intensity, while Silva remains calm.

Silva didn’t panic that first fight when he was dominated.  He always had his composure, which allowed him to defeat Sonnen.

Silva hasn’t shown signs of panic since he’s fought in the UFC. 

Why would he start showing them now? 

3. Experience

It’s because of Silva’s experience that makes him able to keep his composure.

Silva hasn’t been on the receiving end like his first bout with Sonnen.  However, he knows how to close fights.

Silva’s experience in main events helped him win that fight. 

He’s headlined 13 pay-per-views to Sonnen’s three.

Sonnen can train all he wants and prepare for the main event, but Silva’s experience in five rounds will be a factor in this fight.

2. Track Record

The track record of both men cannot be compared.

Silva has beaten a who’s who of former champions and rising superstars.  It’s an impressive mix of young fighters and veterans.

Silva took out Franklin twice, beaten former Light-Heavyweight Champion Griffin and submitted Henderson.  He also avenged his loss to Yushin Okami and knocked out Belfort. 

Sonnen’s most prestigious opponents are The Ultimate Fighter alum Michael Bisping and former contender Nate Marquardt.

Silva’s track record of fallen fighters outweighs Sonnen’s record.  Add the experience and composure, and you get a mentally fit fighter.    

1. The Last Straw

Silva’s never shown emotion before a fight.  This pre-game fight is the exception.  

In a recent media conference, Silva told reporters he was going to break every bone in Sonnen’s body.  Silva went on to describe how bad he was going to beat Sonnen.  He even called him a criminal.

Silva made it clear Sonnen had his full attention. 

We’ve seen what Silva can do when he isn’t enraged.  What will we see when Silva fights Sonnen in their rematch?

One can only imagine the pain Silva will put Sonnen through.  Silva made it clear this is more than just about a title.

This is personal!