MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION ANDERSON SILVA has put challenger Chael Sonnen in his place for good after a second round stoppage in their bout at the MGM Grand on Saturday night.
The Brazilian landed a hefty blow to Sonnen’s chest and pounced on him as he slumped against the cage, connecting with several punches before the referee intervened to end the contest.
Sonnen had pushed Silva close in 2010 before losing out on submission and he had talked a good fight in a contentious lead-up to Saturday’s bout.
The competitors were dragged from each other at the midweek weigh-in, which only lead to an increased spotlight on title defence number 10 for Silva.
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Missed connection
Sonnen started brightly an comfortably won the opening round after pinning Silva to the mat for large periods.
He attempted a similar tactic in the next round but his over-eagerness proved his downfall. The champion capitalised on a spinning backfist from Sonnen that missed the mark and left his defenses down.
Silva landed a crunching knee to the challenger’s chest and followed up up with strong paws to Sonnen’s face.
Once he dropped to the canvas, Silva lept in for the kill and the contest was ended with 1.55 on the second round clock.
Earlier in the night, Forrest Griffin beat Tito Ortiz in a close match between former light heavyweight champions.
Ortiz landed the lustier blows, knocking Griffin down in rounds two and three, but the 34-year-old rallied to leave a lasting impression on the scorecard with accurate kicking.
The three judges awarded him the bout 29-28 and ‘The People’s Champ’ was defeated.
Other winners on the undercard were Cung Le, Damian Maia, Chad Mendes and Mike Easton.
UFC 148: Anderson Silva retains his middleweight crown after second round TKO
MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION ANDERSON SILVA has put challenger Chael Sonnen in his place for good after a second round stoppage in their bout at the MGM Grand on Saturday night.
The Brazilian landed a hefty blow to Sonnen’s chest and pounced on him as he slumped against the cage, connecting with several punches before the referee intervened to end the contest.
Sonnen had pushed Silva close in 2010 before losing out on submission and he had talked a good fight in a contentious lead-up to Saturday’s bout.
The competitors were dragged from each other at the midweek weigh-in, which only lead to an increased spotlight on title defence number 10 for Silva.
Missed connection
Sonnen started brightly an comfortably won the opening round after pinning Silva to the mat for large periods.
He attempted a similar tactic in the next round but his over-eagerness proved his downfall. The champion capitalised on a spinning backfist from Sonnen that missed the mark and left his defenses down.
Silva landed a crunching knee to the challenger’s chest and followed up up with strong paws to Sonnen’s face.
Once he dropped to the canvas, Silva lept in for the kill and the contest was ended with 1.55 on the second round clock.
YouTube credit: TVRestinga
Best of the rest
Earlier in the night, Forrest Griffin beat Tito Ortiz in a close match between former light heavyweight champions.
Ortiz landed the lustier blows, knocking Griffin down in rounds two and three, but the 34-year-old rallied to leave a lasting impression on the scorecard with accurate kicking.
Other winners on the undercard were Cung Le, Damian Maia, Chad Mendes and Mike Easton.
Uncaged: The time for talking is over, (unfortunately), it’s Silva versus Sonnen II.
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Anderson Silva Brazil Brazilian Cage fighting Chael Sonnen forrest griffin grappling kicks Middleweight MMA Octagon people's champ punches take downs Title Tito Ortiz TKO UFC Ultimate Fighting Undisputed Winning Streak