Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen: How Sonnen Can Defeat Silva

Chael Sonnen has a tall order on his hands when he meets champion Anderson Silva tonight at UFC 148. Silva is the best fighter in the world and has been for some time.

Sonnen proved in his first fight with Silva that he can beat the champ. For the better of four rounds and three minutes of the fifth, Sonnen dominated the champion and almost clawed the title away. One triangle armbar later, and the fight was officially over.

Unfortunately for Sonnen, he was on the receiving end of the submission hold and lost out on his chance at the strap.

Now, Sonnen has his rematch with his arch-rival, but what does he have to do to defeat the Brazilian?

Not much thought has to go into his game plan, as his original game plan from the first fight could lead to a win for the brash American. First off, Sonnen must continue to use his wrestling to dominate Silva.

Wrestling is Silva's weakness, as seen in the first fight with "The American Gangster."

If Sonnen is able to keep the pressure up and use his takedowns, he will be golden. In going for takedowns, he must avoid the clinch. Even though he is the physically stronger man, Silva could lock in the Thai clinch and unleash a barrage of knees a la the Rich Franklin fights.

I have a feeling Sonnen's takedowns are powerful enough to avoid the clinch, as he could just run right through Silva's takedown defense. That will need to be set up with strikes though, as if he telegraphs them, Silva may be able to defend.

If Sonnen can get the fight down to the ground and avoid submissions, this fight should be his.

In working with Vinny Magalhaes, Sonnen should have sharpened his submission defense greatly. If Sonnen can pass Silva's guard like he did in the first fight, he could work for one of his newly showcased submissions (see the Brian Stann fight).

Sonnen is a cardio machine and if he can wear out Silva with his dominating top position, it could open up a submission like the arm triangle used to finish Stann.

All of these keys are the blueprint for Sonnen's win. If he wishes to hold the belt after tonight, his wrestling, cardio and situational striking will need to help carry him to victory.

If he is unable to make this a grappling match, Silva will pick him apart on the feet and leave Sonnen fans brokenhearted.