Anderson Silva ready to permanently move up to the Lightheavyweight Division

[Halu Sination]

Silva seeks new horizons

PHILADELPHIA – Hours after the most electrifying domination in a career filled with them, deep in a back hallway of the Wachovia Center, Anderson Silva was waiting for Dana White. Silva is the UFC’s middleweight (185-pound) champion but Saturday he boldly moved up 20 pounds and in a jaw-dropping exhibition, brutalized Forrest Griffin, who just nine months ago was the light heavyweight (205) title holder.

Silva knocked Griffin down twice, offered a hand to help him up once and then promptly floored him again for good at 3:23 of the first round of UFC 101. Most remarkably, he did it with a punch he threw while backpedaling.

It was a complete annihilation. Griffin failed to land a single punch and when he came to his senses, he sprung up and ran from the octagon, trying to push through a doctor’s examination.

“He might be in Georgia by now, he ran out and I haven’t seen him since,” White, the UFC president, joked.

That Silva could move up a weight class and not just win, but destroy with power, was a game-changing and perhaps UFC-altering moment. That’s what Silva and his manager, Ed Soares, wanted to discuss with White.

With his arm wrapped around White’s shoulder, Soares leaned in and delivered a proposition. “Spider” Silva would move permanently to light heavyweight, even if it meant the unorthodox move of giving up his middleweight belt.

“I can do that,” White smiled, a bit stunned at the offer. “I like that. We can do that.”

Soares smiled and shook White’s hand. Silva had been accosted by a fan by then and couldn’t hear White, but it was presumably the news he was seeking. The man has such outrageous confidence in his abilities he’s willing to potentially toss away a championship he’s owned for almost three years to take a challenge outside his comfort zone.

“I’d let him,” White said later, sitting in his quiet dressing room. “We’d put [the middleweight title] up for grabs.”

The hour was late and everyone’s excitement was still high. Perhaps plans and goals change by morning, so White didn’t know what to say officially. This was still just hurried talk. He knew this much though, as a promoter there are more blockbuster fights for Silva at 205 than 185, where he’s beaten everyone of note.

Silva’s next title defense was supposed to be against Dan Henderson, who Silva savagely choked out in March 2008.

“Who knows,” White said, wheels already spinning. “We’ll see what happens. In the talks I’ve had with Anderson, he wants to take on the best in the world. He’s the most talented fighter in the world, the best pound for pound fighter and it’s a joke to say anyone else is. And he wants to continue to prove [it].”

White thought for a moment.

“He would jump in that mix [at the top of the light heavyweight division],” White said. “You’ve got Rashad [Evans], you’ve got Rampage [Jackson], [Lyoto] Machida is the champion. And Tito [Ortiz] is in the mix now.”

If Silva did vacate the middleweight title to move up full time, the ironic thing is that he claims it wouldn’t be to pursue the light heavyweight belt. At least as long as it was held by Machida, a fellow Brazilian and training partner.

“Lyoto is my friend, he is my brother and there is no way that fight will ever happen,” Silva said.

White, coveting a clash between two men who are both unbeaten in UFC competition, brushes that talk aside.

“I’ll make it happen,” White said winking his eye. “It’s not even about money. It’s about proving you’re the best, it’s about securing your place in history. It’s about putting on a super fight that fans want to see.

“I’m all about making big fights that fans want to see.”

Saturday was one of those fights. Silva was motivated by criticism that his last two fights – both victories mind you ¬– were dull, so he gladly moved up to take on a dangerous Griffin, who was known for his attack dog style.

It was intriguing, at least until Silva started toying with Griffin. He knocked Griffin down at will, dared him to connect with a punch, challenged him to be as tough as his reputation and then finally just finished him.

Coming in there was a “Rocky” element to the fight, Griffin the heavy underdog with the Philly crowd firmly behind him and booing Silva. By the end, Griffin was gone and Silva was being cheered. It was the recognition of brilliance overcoming any easy Hollywood storylines.

“He wants to be involved in the biggest fights we can put together,” Soares said.

The fact Silva took this fight is a testament to that. The Brazilian is 25-4 overall and has won all 10 of his fights in the UFC. At age 34, he could’ve sat at middleweight and potentially won 10 more, making nice money with relatively little risk in a division he’s been untouchable in.

That isn’t him though. Not even close.

So not long after stunning the sport with a legendary performance, there he and his manager were, trying to force a back-hall huddle with the UFC kingmaker. Move Silva to light heavyweight for good, they suggested to White.

With nothing left to prove at middleweight, Anderson Silva now wants to lay waste to a whole new division of the UFC. He doesn’t need a belt to prove a thing.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news;_ylt=AtV5YvqJkzsfjQe8W8UieDI5nYcB?slug=dw-silva080909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[Halu Sination]

I'm surprised this hadn't happened sooner. UFC's middleweight division has been pretty weak for a while, and after Anderson beat Dan Henderson pretty decisively, we all knew nobody else in that division had a shot in hell against Silva.

Anyways, which LHWs do you guys actually think have a chance? I'll say...

1. Lyoto Machida - the only guy I would actually bet on in a fight against Silva. I don't think any MMA fighter on the planet can execute a gameplan better than Machida.

After Machida, there's a pretty huge gap, but I'd say...

2. Rampage - Pretty sure Silva would win, but if Rampage goes back and utilizes his wrestling like the PRIDE days, I'd say he got a chance.

3. Gegard Mousasi - I know he's not in the UFC, but this dude is starting to really look like one of those once in a lifetime talents. I'm sure Silva would kill him though.

4. Dan Henderson - Only because he was the only person to ever actually beat Anderson up for a round, despite gassing out horribly by the 2nd round and getting choked out.

Despite how incredibly stacked the lightheavyweight division is, I honestly cannot think of a 5th person who I honestly feel would pose a legitimate threat to Silva at this point. And the sad thing is, I don't even really like Silva.

[Roccy]

silva is on his way, hes a good fighter.

[Hatesrats™]

[HipHopISalive]

i wouldn't mind seeing a patrick cote vs anderson silva rematch... cote held his own for 3 rounds no one else can say the same...

[Halu Sination]

i wouldn't mind seeing a patrick cote vs anderson silva rematch... cote held his own for 3 rounds no one else can say the same...

Actually, Thales Leites lasted 5 rounds. But you really gotta see both matches to judge... to say either of them "held their own" almost sounds kinda sarcastic. Anderson was toying with them. Well, not so much in the case of the Leites fight... he was just being a pussy there. Those two fights were the reason Anderson was getting booed as much as he was on Saturday.

That's why a permanent move to the lightheavyweight division needs to happen. Anderson could start over in a new division and work his way back up, where he will actually HAVE to be impressive.

[Canuck]

I still hope that Maia gets a shot at Silva, by no means am I saying he would win but he could pose an interesting match, his BJJ is out of this world, but I doubt it will happen and even if it did Silva would do the same thing he did with Leites.

Which actually kind pisses me off because Silva is purposely not going to try against these guys with sick BJJ and make them boring fights knowing that the UFC won't keep putting him against BJJ guys because its not going to sell. I mean we already know hes going to murder anyone who tries to stand with him.

And one guy you left out in the light heavy is Shogun, similar fighting style as Silva obviously not as good striking but he's still got mad skills and hes got a better ground game. For middleweight I'd also like to see what Marquardt could do very well rounded and very tough, it would either be really close but more than likely really short.

[NiCc_FrUm_ThA_nO]

And one guy you left out in the light heavy is Shogun, similar fighting style as Silva obviously not as good striking but he's still got mad skills and hes got a better ground game. For middleweight I'd also like to see what Marquardt could do very well rounded and very tough, it would either be really close but more than likely really short.

I dont think he's back to his old self they just threw him a couple washed up fighters and gave him a title shot cuz the other big names were all booked. I never got the big deal over a Marquardt rematch, once it went to the ground he didnt hurt Silva, hardly affected him. Same with Hendo, olympic caliber wrestler takes him down for 3 minutes lands a nice amount of hammer fists that didnt really do any damage to Silva, he hardly attempted to get out and when he did he got out (when Hendo got into side control). Then it was time for the 2nd round and Silva dominated. Didnt let Hendo take him down, then when it got to the ground stayed on his ass and submitted him.

I dont think Maia is gonna beat Marquardt either. Have to re-watch their fights.

All I knoe is Im pumped for the next 3 cards

102: Couture V Nog  Silva V Jardine  Marquardt V Maia
103: Franklin V Belfort  Trigg V Koscheck  Griffin V Franca
104: Machida V Shogun  Carwin V Valsquez  Fisher V Stevenson  Sherk V Tibeau  Okami V Sonnen

Im gonna try to go to 104 since its in LA and that card is stacked as fuck!

[Halu Sination]

I still hope that Maia gets a shot at Silva, by no means am I saying he would win but he could pose an interesting match, his BJJ is out of this world, but I doubt it will happen and even if it did Silva would do the same thing he did with Leites.

Which actually kind pisses me off because Silva is purposely not going to try against these guys with sick BJJ and make them boring fights knowing that the UFC won't keep putting him against BJJ guys because its not going to sell. I mean we already know hes going to murder anyone who tries to stand with him.

And one guy you left out in the light heavy is Shogun, similar fighting style as Silva obviously not as good striking but he's still got mad skills and hes got a better ground game. For middleweight I'd also like to see what Marquardt could do very well rounded and very tough, it would either be really close but more than likely really short.

Yeah, if Maia got a shot against Silva then I'm sure Silva would do the exact same thing as he did with Leites, and the UFC does NOT want that to happen.

If Silva vacates the Middleweight belt, then I think the winner of the Maia/Marquardt fight should fight Henderson for the title. Even though I'm a bit intrigued by a Maia/Silva match or a Hendo/Silva rematch, I definitely would rather see Silva fight more LHWs and let some other contenders fight for the Middleweight belt.

[Halu Sination]

And one guy you left out in the light heavy is Shogun, similar fighting style as Silva obviously not as good striking but he's still got mad skills and hes got a better ground game. For middleweight I'd also like to see what Marquardt could do very well rounded and very tough, it would either be really close but more than likely really short.

I dont think he's back to his old self they just threw him a couple washed up fighters and gave him a title shot cuz the other big names were all booked. I never got the big deal over a Marquardt rematch, once it went to the ground he didnt hurt Silva, hardly affected him. Same with Hendo, olympic caliber wrestler takes him down for 3 minutes lands a nice amount of hammer fists that didnt really do any damage to Silva, he hardly attempted to get out and when he did he got out (when Hendo got into side control). Then it was time for the 2nd round and Silva dominated. Didnt let Hendo take him down, then when it got to the ground stayed on his ass and submitted him.

I dont think Maia is gonna beat Marquardt either. Have to re-watch their fights.

All I knoe is Im pumped for the next 3 cards

102: Couture V Nog  Silva V Jardine  Marquardt V Maia
103: Franklin V Belfort  Trigg V Koscheck  Griffin V Franca
104: Machida V Shogun  Carwin V Valsquez  Fisher V Stevenson  Sherk V Tibeau  Okami V Sonnen

Im gonna try to go to 104 since its in LA and that card is stacked as fuck!

Yeah I really am not convinced that Shogun is back to his PRIDE form.

I was really contemplating going to UFC 104 too, but to be honest, even though Stevenson, Sherk, and Okami are all big names, I'm not all too excited for any of their match-ups. The only match-ups I REALLY want to see is Machida vs Shogun and Carwin vs Valesquez.

[NiCc_FrUm_ThA_nO]

And one guy you left out in the light heavy is Shogun, similar fighting style as Silva obviously not as good striking but he's still got mad skills and hes got a better ground game. For middleweight I'd also like to see what Marquardt could do very well rounded and very tough, it would either be really close but more than likely really short.

I dont think he's back to his old self they just threw him a couple washed up fighters and gave him a title shot cuz the other big names were all booked. I never got the big deal over a Marquardt rematch, once it went to the ground he didnt hurt Silva, hardly affected him. Same with Hendo, olympic caliber wrestler takes him down for 3 minutes lands a nice amount of hammer fists that didnt really do any damage to Silva, he hardly attempted to get out and when he did he got out (when Hendo got into side control). Then it was time for the 2nd round and Silva dominated. Didnt let Hendo take him down, then when it got to the ground stayed on his ass and submitted him.

I dont think Maia is gonna beat Marquardt either. Have to re-watch their fights.

All I knoe is Im pumped for the next 3 cards

102: Couture V Nog  Silva V Jardine  Marquardt V Maia
103: Franklin V Belfort  Trigg V Koscheck  Griffin V Franca
104: Machida V Shogun  Carwin V Valsquez  Fisher V Stevenson  Sherk V Tibeau  Okami V Sonnen

Im gonna try to go to 104 since its in LA and that card is stacked as fuck!

Yeah I really am not convinced that Shogun is back to his PRIDE form.

I was really contemplating going to UFC 104 too, but to be honest, even though Stevenson, Sherk, and Okami are all big names, I'm not all too excited for any of their match-ups. The only match-ups I REALLY want to see is Machida vs Shogun and Carwin vs Valesquez.

Those 2 fights alone convinced me to go.

[Halu Sination]

And one guy you left out in the light heavy is Shogun, similar fighting style as Silva obviously not as good striking but he's still got mad skills and hes got a better ground game. For middleweight I'd also like to see what Marquardt could do very well rounded and very tough, it would either be really close but more than likely really short.

I dont think he's back to his old self they just threw him a couple washed up fighters and gave him a title shot cuz the other big names were all booked. I never got the big deal over a Marquardt rematch, once it went to the ground he didnt hurt Silva, hardly affected him. Same with Hendo, olympic caliber wrestler takes him down for 3 minutes lands a nice amount of hammer fists that didnt really do any damage to Silva, he hardly attempted to get out and when he did he got out (when Hendo got into side control). Then it was time for the 2nd round and Silva dominated. Didnt let Hendo take him down, then when it got to the ground stayed on his ass and submitted him.

I dont think Maia is gonna beat Marquardt either. Have to re-watch their fights.

All I knoe is Im pumped for the next 3 cards

102: Couture V Nog  Silva V Jardine  Marquardt V Maia
103: Franklin V Belfort  Trigg V Koscheck  Griffin V Franca
104: Machida V Shogun  Carwin V Valsquez  Fisher V Stevenson  Sherk V Tibeau  Okami V Sonnen

Im gonna try to go to 104 since its in LA and that card is stacked as fuck!

Yeah I really am not convinced that Shogun is back to his PRIDE form.

I was really contemplating going to UFC 104 too, but to be honest, even though Stevenson, Sherk, and Okami are all big names, I'm not all too excited for any of their match-ups. The only match-ups I REALLY want to see is Machida vs Shogun and Carwin vs Valesquez.

Those 2 fights alone convinced me to go.

Did you get tickets yet? I'm wondering how much they cost.

[Canuck]

I dont think Maia is gonna beat Marquardt either. Have to re-watch their fights.

If Maia beats Marquardt I'd be shocked.

I agree Shogun doesn't deserve the title shot, and hes not at his PRIDE level yet, but he's slowly getting back to form and could cause trouble for a lot of guys.

Upcoming cards look sick can't wait for 102 and 104 but 103 looks pretty weak.

Unrelated but did you guys see the Miguel Torres Brian Bowles fight from sunday, great fight Bowles dropped him in the first in a Liddellesque KO while backing up.

[NiCc_FrUm_ThA_nO]

And one guy you left out in the light heavy is Shogun, similar fighting style as Silva obviously not as good striking but he's still got mad skills and hes got a better ground game. For middleweight I'd also like to see what Marquardt could do very well rounded and very tough, it would either be really close but more than likely really short.

I dont think he's back to his old self they just threw him a couple washed up fighters and gave him a title shot cuz the other big names were all booked. I never got the big deal over a Marquardt rematch, once it went to the ground he didnt hurt Silva, hardly affected him. Same with Hendo, olympic caliber wrestler takes him down for 3 minutes lands a nice amount of hammer fists that didnt really do any damage to Silva, he hardly attempted to get out and when he did he got out (when Hendo got into side control). Then it was time for the 2nd round and Silva dominated. Didnt let Hendo take him down, then when it got to the ground stayed on his ass and submitted him.

I dont think Maia is gonna beat Marquardt either. Have to re-watch their fights.

All I knoe is Im pumped for the next 3 cards

102: Couture V Nog  Silva V Jardine  Marquardt V Maia
103: Franklin V Belfort  Trigg V Koscheck  Griffin V Franca
104: Machida V Shogun  Carwin V Valsquez  Fisher V Stevenson  Sherk V Tibeau  Okami V Sonnen

Im gonna try to go to 104 since its in LA and that card is stacked as fuck!

Yeah I really am not convinced that Shogun is back to his PRIDE form.

I was really contemplating going to UFC 104 too, but to be honest, even though Stevenson, Sherk, and Okami are all big names, I'm not all too excited for any of their match-ups. The only match-ups I REALLY want to see is Machida vs Shogun and Carwin vs Valesquez.

Those 2 fights alone convinced me to go.

Did you get tickets yet? I'm wondering how much they cost.

Nah they havent gone on sale yet, they will in a few weeks tho. There are some tickets available right now but they're alot more than theyre worth, better to wait for them to officially go on sale. Im pretty sure the prices are gonna be $600.00, $400.00, $300.00, $200.00, $100.00, $50.00.

[NiCc_FrUm_ThA_nO]

I dont think Maia is gonna beat Marquardt either. Have to re-watch their fights.

If Maia beats Marquardt I'd be shocked.

I agree Shogun doesn't deserve the title shot, and hes not at his PRIDE level yet, but he's slowly getting back to form and could cause trouble for a lot of guys.

Upcoming cards look sick can't wait for 102 and 104 but 103 looks pretty weak.

Unrelated but did you guys see the Miguel Torres Brian Bowles fight from sunday, great fight Bowles dropped him in the first in a Liddellesque KO while backing up.

U can say that but we dont know for sure until he faces actual competition. I think 103 looks good with the addition of Crop Cop and Dos Santos. I didnt see WEC live, was waiting for my bud connect outside and ran back to the house to see the replay, pretty much everyone knew he was gonna lose, impressive KO tho!