With the most recent video release of Anderson Silva's Road to Recovery, it's safe to say that he's more than willing to get back into the octagon and compete. And after the injury he sustained in his last UFC appearance, it's remarkable to think that the Spider has done as much as he has within the short little while.
The only question is "where does he start"? Well, in this thread I'll entertain the 5 most likely opponents that would be good to match Silva up with when he finally makes his octagon return in 2015.
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Author: Alex Cochrane
The only question is "where does he start"? Well, in this thread I'll entertain the 5 most likely opponents that would be good to match Silva up with when he finally makes his octagon return in 2015.
1.
Vitor Belfort
Everybody remembers the famous kick heard around the world when Anderson Silva knocked out Vitor Belfort at UFC 126. Well, since then it seems like Belfort's been returning the favor by knocking out a trifecta of contenders himself over the last year. A second win over Belfort would show that Anderson can still hang with the upper echelon of the division and more than likely would immediatley place him right back into title contention.
Everybody remembers the famous kick heard around the world when Anderson Silva knocked out Vitor Belfort at UFC 126. Well, since then it seems like Belfort's been returning the favor by knocking out a trifecta of contenders himself over the last year. A second win over Belfort would show that Anderson can still hang with the upper echelon of the division and more than likely would immediatley place him right back into title contention.
2.
Michael Bisping
This bout likely wouldn't do too much to further the Spider's career but The Count always made it close to the top engaging in bouts with the likes of Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort, yet he could never quite make the cut. A win over Bisping could mean that Silva is testing the waters and slowly making his way back into title contention with a win over another top contender immediately after.
This bout likely wouldn't do too much to further the Spider's career but The Count always made it close to the top engaging in bouts with the likes of Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort, yet he could never quite make the cut. A win over Bisping could mean that Silva is testing the waters and slowly making his way back into title contention with a win over another top contender immediately after.
3.
Rashad Evans
In 2012, Rashad Evans entertained the idea of dropping down to middleweight to face Anderson Silva, and with his small frame, that would be an excellent start. The problem that presents itself is Evans wrestling pedigree which Silva struggled with against the likes of Chris Weidman and Chael Sonnen. A win over Rashad would show that Silva has improved in leaps and bounds and is ready to make his way back into contendership.
In 2012, Rashad Evans entertained the idea of dropping down to middleweight to face Anderson Silva, and with his small frame, that would be an excellent start. The problem that presents itself is Evans wrestling pedigree which Silva struggled with against the likes of Chris Weidman and Chael Sonnen. A win over Rashad would show that Silva has improved in leaps and bounds and is ready to make his way back into contendership.
4.
Nick Diaz
This fight makes the most sense, Diaz first talked about the idea back when he first retired from the sport in 2012. And although he fights at 170, he has the frame to make 185. A Silva Vs Diaz superfight would likely be the biggest payday out of any of the mentioned fighters and would put on an unforgettable fight, but likely wouldn't boost the rankings for him in any stretch of the imagination.
This fight makes the most sense, Diaz first talked about the idea back when he first retired from the sport in 2012. And although he fights at 170, he has the frame to make 185. A Silva Vs Diaz superfight would likely be the biggest payday out of any of the mentioned fighters and would put on an unforgettable fight, but likely wouldn't boost the rankings for him in any stretch of the imagination.
5.
Luke Rockhold
Chael Sonnnen recently went on to describe Luke Rockhold as the current number one contender, and should he defeat Anderson Silva, there'd be no doubt. With Vitor Belfort currently on stack to face the winner of Machida and Weidman, this would be a good filler fight in the meantime, but a win over Rockhold could prove to be just as beneficial for Silva as he would be beating the next generation of fights in upcoming memory.
Chael Sonnnen recently went on to describe Luke Rockhold as the current number one contender, and should he defeat Anderson Silva, there'd be no doubt. With Vitor Belfort currently on stack to face the winner of Machida and Weidman, this would be a good filler fight in the meantime, but a win over Rockhold could prove to be just as beneficial for Silva as he would be beating the next generation of fights in upcoming memory.
Author: Alex Cochrane
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