MMA Video Tribute: Anderson Silva’s 10 Greatest Knockouts
(LOL, walk much?)
This Saturday, MMA’s greatest knockout artist returns against Yushin Okami in a rematch at UFC 134 — and I stress the word “artist.” Anderson Silva inflicts punishment on his opponents in ways that transcend combat sports, opening our eyes to the enormity of human possibility and the deeper meanings of the universe. In honor of his next fight, we decided to rank our ten favorite Anderson Silva knockouts of all time. Enjoy, and let us know your personal favorite in the comments section…
#10: Anderson Silva vs. Jorge Rivera
Cage Rage 11, 4/30/05
Silva’s first Cage Rage middleweight title defense — after outpointing Lee Murray for the belt the previous year — ended in a storm of knees. This would become a common theme in his subsequent UFC career.
#9: Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin
UFC Fight Night 14, 7/19/08
As Silva’s first light-heavyweight opponent in the UFC, Irvin promised to stand in front of the Spider and “take one to give one.” Well, he took one alright. Watch the full fight here.
#8: Anderson Silva vs. Rich Franklin 2
UFC 77, 10/20/07
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Franklin managed to survive the first round in their rematch, but the TKO finish was eerily similar to their first meeting. With his fifth-consecutive stoppage in the UFC and second-straight title defense, Anderson Silva had officially entered the “unstoppable” phase of his career.
#7: Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami
Rumble on the Rock 8, 1/20/06
Yeah, I know, it was technically a disqualification loss. That shouldn’t take away from the fact that Silva knocked Okami out with an axe kick from his back. Sorry, unified rules.
#6: Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin
UFC 101, 8/8/09
We’ll let Forrest tell it himself: “I tried to punch him and he literally moved his head out of the way and looked at me like I was stupid for doing it. He looked at me like, ‘Why would you do such a stupid thing?’ He looked at me like, ‘Oh, did you really think you were going to hit me? What a stupid thing to think you slow, slow white boy,’ and then he punched me. I felt embarrassed for even trying to punch him. I felt like some kid trying to wrestle with his dad.”
Hit that “next page” link to see the Spider’s Top 5 ugliest beatdowns…
