Anderson Silva is a special fighter, and I always anxiously wait for his fights only to be disappointed with his showing. I know I’m not the only one who goes through this, and that’s why I’m excited about UFC 117. I think Chael Sonnen will finally force Anderson to bring his “A” game, but unlike many fans — I think Chael will get it done and have his hand raised as the new UFC Middleweight Champion. Here are some of my reasons why:

1. Strong wrestling will nullify the striking game
The last fighter who gave Anderson Silva fits was Dan Henderson, a former Greco-Roman Olympic wrestler. Prior to being viciously rear-naked choked, Dan had control much of the fight and imposed his will onto Anderson. Chael was a NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, two-time University National Champion in Greco Roman, and a US Olympic team alternate. An impressive wrestling resume that will nullify his opponents striking game.

2. Chael Sonnen loves grinding out decisions
There’s 25 minutes in a UFC Championship fight, and Chael is more than willing to use all of those minutes to grind out a decision win. For his last 5 wins, all have gone to decisions which he has won unanimously. Anderson was noticeably tired during the Demien Maia fight, where he had much of the control. Now, put him in a fight where he is going to have to defend takedowns, wrestle out of being on the fence, or even fight to get up from bottom position — that’s going to be tiring. Chael will impose the grind, and Anderson will have no answer.

3. Anderson Silva is jealous and bothered by the taunting
Chael Sonnen has become on of the best MMA trash talkers in the game today just from hyping this fight at UFC 117. It’s pure comedy. His comedic angle is billing Anderson Silva as a fraud and a bad guy, when MMA journalists in the past would say otherwise. Bringing up and exposing this backstage persona has been Chael’s goal and mantra — and it’s been great. For a headliner, it’s odd that the challenger is getting most of the attention and I think that bothers Anderson. Not the name calling, the accusations, or the cheap shots — as a champion, you want the light shining on you and for UFC 117, it’s shining on Chael.

4. Too much pressure on the UFC Middleweight Champion
There is absolutely no pressure on Chael Sonnen. Anderson is considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA, so all the pressure rides on his shoulders. On top of that, Dana White has been openly furious about his champion’s prior fights (especially with Demien Maia) and is expecting an exciting showing at UFC 117. Anderson needs to deliver. If he doesn’t, it may even cost him his job. 

5. Anderson is training with Steven Seagal
I have officially seen it all. I wouldn’t have thought I would see the day where Steven Seagal trains an MMA fighter, especially a UFC Champion. Seagal is a 7th degree black belt in Aikido, which is pretty impressive. Although, have you seen anyone in MMA use Aikido during a fight. Small joint manipulation is hard to come by when you have gloves and there’s a person coming at you with a double leg takedown. I’m not sure how long Seagal was in there training Anderson in Aikido, but that’s a red flag to me. Bring in Division I Wrestling Champions to help train you, not D-list acting has-beens.

—-

QUESTION: Who do you have, Anderson Silva or Chael Sonnen? Why?