What's at Stake for Thiago Silva at UFC 108?

The first UFC event of 2010 provides much in the way of potentially explosive fights.  When looking at the fight card for UFC 108, look no further than the main event headliner between Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva. Silva has taken an under-the-radar type approach up to this point in his career; however that must change if he wants to defeat Evans this weekend.

Silva worked his way into the UFC in May 2007 on the strength of nine victories, eight of which came via stoppage, and zero losses. He continued his hot streak defeating the first four opponents that he faced in the octagon, bringing his undefeated streak to 13.

At UFC 94, Silva was matched up against Lyoto Machida in a bout to see who would become the next challenger for the light-heavyweight belt.  The fight didn’t go as planned for Silva, as he was handed his first career loss, and dropped out of contender range. He has since rebounded from the loss with an impressive stoppage victory over Keith Jardine in August at UFC 102.

Not only is UFC 108 important for Silva in that it’s his first headlining gig with the UFC, but also holds importance in determining his position in the always-crowded 205-pound division. With names like Machida, Rua, Griffin, Jackson, and Evans, fighters such as a Thiago Silva can easily get lost in the shuffle. Despite his win over Jardine, his UFC 94 loss one year ago doesn’t allow him any “wiggle room” in the division.

There will be no surprises as to how Silva will approach this fight. He will approach this fight the only way he knows how, with his trademark aggressiveness and emotional showmanship. A victory of Evans will give him back-to-back victories over solid light-heavies, and while the win over Jardine doesn’t say a while lot, the way he went about getting it, does. With that being said, another similar result against Evans and Silva may just get another crack at UFC gold.

On the other end of the octagon, you don’t have to think long or hard as to where Silva’s stock goes if he were to fall this weekend. A loss, no matter what kind, will give the KO-specialist two losses in his last three bouts. That would not only cancel him out for any possible title bouts but also drops his position as a top-10 caliber light-heavyweight. Considering the amount or work and time put into getting this far, it would take him another three or four victories and two or three more years to get back to this level.

The bottom line being UFC 108 is full of great matchups, including the main event, where the winner serves to figure into a future championship bout, and however you look at it, the loser figures to drop out of any title contention. Put all the scenarios aside and try and enjoy it, whoever you are cheering for.