L. Azeredo (photo) was the first fighter in history to defeat A. Silva. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Having a successful career in MMA is no easy task, imagine being in history as the first fighter to have beaten one of the best representatives of the sport of all time. Responsible for the first negative result in the career of Anderson Silva, Luis Azeredo spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about the day he defeated 'Spider', years before the athlete shined in the UFC octagon.
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The year was 2000. Azeredo was heading towards his fourth fight as a professional in the sport, and his first three had been on the same day, for 'Brazil Free Style – The Best Fighters', in 1997.
Invitation to face Anderson
“I trained in muay thai with master Roney Alex, who was one of the promising players in the sport in Brazil, and a friend of mine had already fought with Anderson and lost. So we already knew his story. When they offered it to me, I said: 'if it's meant to be, let's go'. Anderson was not yet known worldwide, but in Brazil, people already knew him. At the time, I was training jiu-jitsu with 'Macaco' (Jorge Patino), who was an aggressive name used in MMA. So, I had Roney’s muay thai and Macaco’s jiu-jitsu”, explained Luis.
Azeredo x Anderson: MECA 1
Ready to test himself against Silva, all that was left was to choose the day. The duel took place on May 27, 2000 (see in the video below), in Brazil, and the confrontation between the two was the fourth among seven fights scheduled for the show. Azeredo says that, at the time, he agreed to face 'Spider' even though he was lighter. Anderson was close to middleweight weight (up to 83,9kg), while Luis didn't reach 77kg.
“He (Anderson) weighed 83kg. on the scale and I weigh 76kg. His coaches came to tell me that he was heavier, but at that time, when we are young, we have the heart of a lion. I accepted the fight anyway”, said Luis.
Confrontation unfolding
Faced with who would become one of the best MMA representatives of all time, Azeredo already had the idea that it would not be easy for him to surprise Anderson, who was beginning to build his fame in the sport. Luis then explains the strategy to overcome 'Spider' in the duel.
“The confrontation was a key. I knew his characteristics and I knew it was going to be a tough fight. I looked him in the eye at the beginning and, on first contact, I landed the first blow. In a fight, whoever lands the first blow, the other knows that the opponent took his time. I landed the first blow, a kick with all my strength. After I landed the first hit, I tried to find him again, and I couldn't find him. So, I decided to let him try to find me. I stopped running after him and let him come up. Before he could hit me, I started to dodge and managed to put him down. I had to use my jiu-jitsu. – As a purple belt, I was São Paulo champion over the Demian Maia. When I put it down, I thought: 'I'm going to hold it here'. The first time I dropped him, he got up very quickly. It's a complicated job in the standing part. The other time I put him down, I said: 'I'm going to play fair, score and, if he gives up, I'm going to submit him or knock him out. I’m not going to open up too much, because this guy on his feet is really good”, said Luis, who won the dispute on points, after two 10-minute rounds.
Analysis of Anderson as an opponent
When he faced 'Spider', he was in his third fight as a professional in MMA. Even with little experience, Azeredo reveals that he already felt there was a talent there that could bring good results for Brazil.
“I landed the first kick on him and then I couldn't find him in the fight. Then I landed just one more foot strike on him. He started to swing, 'play'. In one of those, I put a jab in the middle of his nose, and then he looked like an animal (laughs). Only in this game where you can't find your opponent in the fight, the guy has very good mobility. He's a guy who knows how to train, has physical control, is intelligent. He really is a martial artist,” he said.
Career peak
With 25 fights fought between 1997 and 2011, participating in major events such as MECA, Shooto, Jungle Fight, Pride and Bellator, Azeredo has no doubt that the fight against Silva was the pinnacle of his career.
“I had great moments, but the fight against Anderson, for everything he was and what he was at the time too. He hadn't exploded worldwide, but he was feared in Brazil. I had the honor of having fought with him, the honor of having won”, he said.
Anderson: the best in history?
Even though he defeated 'Spider' at the beginning of his career, Luis never hid his admiration for the former UFC champion. However, he analyzed Silva's place among the best in the sport.
“I think he has to be more complete. He's very good at standing up, but in MMA you have to be good standing up and on the ground. The new generations are coming with this arsenal. To be the best in history, it would have to be complete. Jon Jones, for example, is the new generation. Anderson lacked that, but what he did in the history of MMA was a great example. You can never belittle the champion he was. Sometimes you lose a fight and people delete you. He's a great 'fencer', he plays with his hands low, he plays with his opponent, but it's not disrespectful. He’s not a bad person,” he stated.
Prediction for 'Spider' x Uriah Hall
Finally, Luis didn't run away when asked about the clash that should seal Silva's trajectory within the UFC. Betting on his former opponent's record for this Saturday (31), Azeredo placed his chips on Anderson.
“This fight is a good fight for Anderson. O Uriah Hall He's strong, he has good mobility, but Anderson has been champion for a long time. He has experience, which counts for a lot. I think he has a very good chance of coming out with the victory”, he concluded.
Luis Azeredo has competed professionally in MMA for almost 15 years. 'The Joker' – as he is known -, now 44 years old, he has 15 wins in 25 appearances. Today, Azeredo is dedicated to teaching MMA to new generations at 'Hoboken Fight Club', in the United States, representing the respected 'Chute Boxe'.
See the full fight between Luis Azeredo and Anderson Silva
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