The Chances of Chael Sonnen's Revenge Against Anderson

            In their first meeting, Chael dominated Silva in virtually every category that an MMA fight could be scored in. He out punched him, out wrestled him and neutralized the highly respected and notorious guard of Anderson Silva for nearly 5 rounds! Something a BJJ black belt like Travis Lutter could not do! He also set the record for most strikes in a UFC title fight. All of this, and the masses still doubt him?

            Top 3 Refuting Arguments:

1.      Anderson was injured with bruised ribs before the fight. Now that he's healed, he'll surely destroy Chael Sonnen.
2.      Anderson only has to work on takedown defense to neutralize Chael’s wrestling.
3.      Anderson’s heart and chin will help him grind out another win if he has to.

            Break down of Refute #1:

            Anderson was dominated in the standing dept, and I will admit it, he did look a little (and I mean barely noticeably) slow in maneuvering about, but we should not take anything away from Chael’s stand up. Chael was coming in at different angles and utilizing good movement and timing. He diversified his striking and, lo and behold, does have some power, at least enough to knock the champion down. Yes, I know, Anderson did manage to rock him in the fourth round, however, do not doubt Chael's hands; though they aren’t as tested as Silva’s or displayed as much as his fellow contester’s in the division, they are something to worry about and will get the job done.

            Break Down of Refute #2:

            Anderson Silva’s first official MMA match was in 2000. He’s been fighting for ten years. If he has not picked up wrestling defense since then, I highly doubt he’ll be able to do it in the months leading into this supposed rematch. What more, this is no average wrestler. An NCAA Division I All American, a two time National Greco Roman Champion, and he was also US Olympic Alternate. Chael has great timing and he is also a fearless talent on the ground, and as intelligent he is stubborn in will. How else would you defend from Anderson’s guard for nearly 23 minutes?

            What more, Mr. Sonnen did not even try to pass into side guard or full mount, preferring the full guard of Anderson than anything else. It is quite clear that he will get a takedown in their next fight and another main reason for this is because he is one of the strongest in his division, slamming Yushin Okami and man handling Nate the Great, all while Anderson relies on his long and lanky build to get the job done with striking and submissions.

            Break Down of Refute #3:

            While Anderson did manage to pull off that stunning win in the fifth round, he did coast the first four. You could see that he was not comfortable, (well who wouldn’t be with over 200 shots landed on your body), and he looked to have attempted to give up several times, rolling over while Chael continued with a barrage of shots. Some will even argue that it should have been stopped and I could see an argument made. While he did hang on, everyone could tell that it was not an impressive performance.

            In conclusion, Chael nullified every strategy that Silva threw at him for nearly 5 founds before succumbing to that one split second error and losing the battle. However, Silva, though boasting his impressive record, was completely dominated, and dominated by a fighter that many considered to be one dimensional.

            After that fight, I don't see how anyone can claim that Chael doesn't have a chance in a rematch. He certainly has the skill of a champion.

If you want an analysis on the submission in that fight, check out this video made by the Gracies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swQyHqg3NDg