UFC 117 Post-Mortem: Chael Sonnen...So Close, Yet So Far

Rarely has a stacked UFC card lived up to the hype. UFC 117 was arguably the best MMA event this year. Every fight gave us something to talk about.

In the future, fans will reflect back on this event with memories of Sonnen’s monumental fifth round slip-up, Fitch’s assertion as the number two Welterweight, and JDS’s arrival as a championship contender.

Anderson Silva Defeats Chael Sonnen By Round 5 Submission

What Happened :

Amidst plenty of boos, Chael Sonnen emerged to walk the path that so many have walked before him. The illuminated octagon would be his final destination. In that place, Anderson Silva had humiliated and destroyed twelve other victims. Despite impending doom, the confidence spread across Sonnen’s face never wavered. Surely, he didn’t actually believe he could beat Silva. Right?

The pound for pound king followed soon after. Silva was all smiles as he walked to the octagon in his BJJ Gi. Why shouldn’t he be? He had Big Nog, Ed Soares, and Steven Seagal in his corner. This was just another day at the office…A right hand from Sonnen changed everything…Boos quickly turned to cheers as the shot buckled Silva. For four rounds, fans watched Sonnen deliver one of the most one-sided beatings ever in a UFC championship fight.

Silva had no answer for Sonnen’s constant pressure. Sonnen was able to land on the feet and consistently secure takedowns. Heading into the fifth round, people were already talking 50-44 scorecards, Sonnen vs. Belfort, and the end of another pound for pound great.

One mistake was all it took to remind us why this sport is so exciting. From guard, Silva managed to trap one of Sonnen’s arms and cinch up a triangle choke. Sonnen was forced to tap at 3:10 of the final round.

Next for Silva :

Next for Sonnen :

What Happened :

Next for Fitch :

Next for Alves :

What Happened :

Next for Guida :

Next for Dos Anjos :

What Happened :

Next for Hughes :

Next for Almeida :

What Happened :

Next for Dos Santos :

Next for Nelson :

Fight of the Night -Anderson Silva Vs. Chael Sonnen ($60,000 Each)

Submission of the Night -Anderson Silva ($60,000) & Matt Hughes ($60,000)

Knockout of the Night -Stefan Struve ($60,000)

Miscellaneous :

I loved how Steven Seagal (movie attire and all) escorted Anderson Silva to the octagon. It looked like he just got finished filming the final movie in the "Under Siege" trilogy.

I wonder how much Ed Soares charges for being a translator. James Toney may want to consider his services the next time he makes a public appearance.

Stefan Struve could’ve also used Soares’s services last night. After practically having his bottom lip unhinged, Struve slurred and spat blood into the mic during his post-fight interview. Joe Rogan’s grotesque facial expressions as he leaned away from the flying drool made this moment golden.

Quote of the night: "If you don’t pay your electric bill, the lights go out!" - James Toney (UFC 117 Interview)

Honesty Award: Goes to Matt Hughes for telling his boss that he plans on taking the fall off to do some hunting.

Best Entrance Music: Roy Nelson (Fat - Weird Al Yankovic)