Silva vs. Sonnen 2: Why Anderson Silva Had the Most Impressive Showing

Anderson Silva, the UFC middleweight champion, defeated Chael Sonnen in the second round via TKO on Saturday, putting on what was perhaps the the most impressive showing at UFC 148. 

Looking like a man possessed, his tranquil demeanor never changed. 

Silva promised fans that he would give Chael Sonnen the beating of his life. It may have not been what fans expected, but Silva did keep his word.

Silva retained his title for the 10th time, and like a moving train he isn’t slowing down. Just look at yesterday’s performance. 

Anderson Silva proved he is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.  

Calm Before the Storm

When Silva’s music hit, anticipation and excitement radiated from the fans. 

As “Ain’t No Sunshine” by DMX blasted through the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Silva walked down to the Octagon, stone-faced, showing no emotion.

We’ve seen this look before, the calm before the storm. 

Silva entered the Octagon and gracefully bowed to the crowd at each side. He didn’t show any signs of animosity towards Sonnen. 

This calm would prove to be a factor in this fight.

Experience Prevails

In the first round, Sonnen took down Silva and controlled the round from there.

Silva was on his back for the entire round, but the champion would not be deterred in his quest to keep the middleweight title.

Silva took some abuse, but Sonnen couldn’t finish the champion.

As Silva went back to his corner, he waited and knew it was time to strike.

After a brief rest, Silva went back in the second round with his composure intact. The quick rest was all Silva needed.

Capitalize on One Mistake

Sonnen had a strong game plan. It would have worked if he hadn’t made one mistake.

Sonnen went for a spinning back fist and stumbled to the ground. The veteran champion pounced on Sonnen, his prey.

Silva threw a knee to Sonnen’s chest and proceeded to beat him down. 

Sonnen would get back up, but Silva’s offense was relentless at that point.

Silva caught Sonnen with a right hand that sent Sonnen down again. Silva finished him with 1:55 left in the second round.

Calm After the Storm

After Silva defeated Sonnen, the animosity toward Sonnen seemingly ended.

The Spider addressed the fans in a manner that was nothing short of classy. With a kindhearted, but funny gesture, he even invited his opponent to a barbecue. 

Silva knew he had to finish Sonnen decisively to prove a point.

No question he proved himself to be the best pound-for-pound warrior in the UFC.  

The Better Man Won

Anderson Silva is at the top of the UFC yet again.

He handles the spotlight and fame like he handles everyday life—calm, assured and able to meet the obstacles which the UFC and life bring him.

UFC 148 was no exception.

At the post-fight press conference, Chael Sonnen admitted to the world that the better man wins every time. 

The better man is Anderson Silva.