Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen: 5 Reasons Why Silva Will Destroy Sonnen

At UFC 117, Chael Sonnen did the impossible and completely dominated reigning UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva.

Whether it was a lack of focus, a broken rib or any of a number of personal reasons, Silva just was not in form, and he nearly paid the ultimate price for it.

But with their epic rematch a little over a day away, don't expect a repeat performance.

Silva is extremely motivated and focused for this fight, and he won't let Sonnen dominate again.  In fact, I think the pound-for-pound king will completely turn the tables and put on a show at UFC 148.

Here are five reason why MMA's most feared fighter will come out on top Saturday night.

5. He's a Better Striker

Anderson Silva has proven to be one of the best strikers in the sport's history, and he will have a huge edge over Sonnen.

"The American Gangster" was able to stand and bang with Silva in their first fight, but that was mostly due to his ability to mix up his wrestling with his striking to keep "The Spider" guessing.

Don't expect that to happen again.

Sonnen showed in his bout with Michael Bisping that his striking still needs some work, as he virtually walked straight at "The Count" the entire fight.  That won't fly against a motivated and focused Anderson Silva.

If Silva can keep the fight standing, expect him to dominate on the feet.

4. Never Lost a Rematch

Anderson Silva doesn't have a lot of rematches on his resume—frankly because of the fact that most fighters aren't foolish enough to face him twice.

In his only two rematches against former champ Rich Franklin and vet Yushin Okami, The Spider decimated his foes when he faced them for a second time.

Silva will have a much better game plan for Sonnen since he's already gone 25 minutes inside the Octagon with him. He should be able to capitalize on his weaknesses in a much more timely fashion.

3. He's Healthy

All indications point to Silva being completely healthy going into this rematch.

With no broken ribs or any other ailments to hold him back—that we know of—a healthy Spider is going to be a daunting task for Uncle Chael.

2. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

All great fighters have a weakness.

Green Lantern can't fight the color yellow, Superman gets weak in the knees at the sight of kryptonite and Chael Sonnen just can't defend against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

With eight of his 11 career losses coming via submission—including four by way of triangle choke—it's clear that Sonnen isn't the greatest at defending the tap out.

There's no question he's worked extensively on his BJJ game since being submitted by Silva in their first go-around.  But when the going gets tough, history has taught us that the best way to come out on top over The American Gangster  is through submissions.

1. He's Motivated

Unlike some of his previous bouts, Anderson Silva is highly motivated for this fight because Sonnen has made it so personal.

The fierceness Silva has displayed during both the media conference call and live pre-fight presser are prime examples of just how serious Silva is taking this bout.  Sonnen's diatribes have forced Silva to take things to another level and bring out his truly violent side.

Don't expect any clowning from the pound-for-pound king tomorrow night.

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