His wrestling wouldnt actually need to be good enough to replicate Sonnens performance in order to create the same openings. I don't think Andersons takedown defence is actually as bad as its often considered to be. As I said the problem I see is that he seesm to have trouble transitioning between defending takedowns(partly because he does so with footwork alot of the time) and striking. Thats how Chonan was holding him off with leg kicks before the sub IMHO and thats the reason why the Maia and Leites fights were so dull. It really very hard to say how much of an effect the rub injury had until we see Anderson in a similar position again. When it comes to picking how the fight will go though I agree with yaca, the most likely outcome is that Anderson plays it safe and slowly chips away at Vitor until he breaks then either TKOs him(the thai clinch would be my guess if he does since Vitor's been bullied there before) or wins a clear decision. 95% of the criticism I'v had for Anderson in the past isnt his abilties but rather his career choices, not taking the big fights he could have at LHW post Hendo.
Oh, and let´s say something important.....past-prime Belfort is the best opponent in Anderson´s career that tells you all you need to know about his resume...... Yeah, I don´t like him ! Like we say here in Brazil: Muito mascarado !! WAR "The Phenom" Belfort !!!!!
I don´t know, I don´t think so......... Anyway, we all remember what happened in the first round against Hendo......
I didn't read this whole thread but as far as the weigh-ins go, you guys are easily amused. I thought it was nothing special. Anyone with half a brain knows that Silva wears a mask, he is the most fake fighter out there today. He lies to his fans he refuses to speak english in public (even though he can speak english) and is ALWAYS a total ******* to ALL his opponents. As far as the weigh-ins go though it was pretty boring.
No-one can say this isn't possible. Anderson can get complacent, and Belfort's speed, power and boxing skills are superb.
Aha at last you get to see your namesake fighting one of the deadliest *******s on the planet. We're all behind your boy :bbb
Dan is the only fighter to hold world titles at two weight classes simultaneously. Not only that but he defeated Vitor in Pride. And what happened in the first round of Silva/Hendo anyway? Hendo took Silva down? So what?
Hendo is clearly a bigger win that Vitor BUT the fact that the former beat the latter doesnt really tell us much about but a fight with Anderson will go, styles make fights.
Well......When he faced a great fighter like Hendo he was exposed.....clearly lost the round.....soundly ! And Hendo looked shot to me, against Rampage and against AS.....
I agree Pop. Silva is on a decline and I think his speed is not what it used to be, besides maybe motivation. He has looked completely unmotivated in most recent fights, even when Sonnen was trying to beat the living crap out of him, he seemed to enjoy taking some punishment for no apparent reason. I don't buy that Sonnen was just that good or was simply too juiced for Anderson to handle. The reality is the old Anderson, as in the one who entered the UFC for the first time (the one that faced Leben), would have put a serious hurt on Sonnen, juiced or not. Even if Anderson won that night, he did not perform well. One other note, for those who follow weigh-ins. Im not sure, as I don't remember watching Anderson in his earlier fights, but I remember him being more reserved and respectful at weigh-ins towards his opponents. As of recent, he's coming off somewhat of villain and trash talker. What gives? I consider this to be somewhat uncharacteristic. Is it possible he knows he's not what he used to be and is trying to compensate or hide something? Or is he simply getting to know the business more and is trying to sell the fight.