Summary
Islam makhachev Anderson Silva and [other names] are big names in MMA. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.
The victory against Jack Della Maddalena No. UFC 322 It represented a significant change in the career of Islam makhachevIn addition to winning the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg) and joining the select group of athletes who have won championships in two different weight classes, the Russian also equaled the legendary... Anderson Silva as the record holder for consecutive wins in the world's largest MMA organization.
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However, which of the two journeys was the most impressive? In this context, the SUPER FIGHTS The article decided to compare some of the key moments in both fighters' careers in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Far from attempting to reach an absolute verdict, the list enumerates the achievements of two great names in the history of the sport, who, despite having completely different styles, hold one of the most impressive records of all time.
Winning the belt
Anderson Silva He is one of the best fighters in UFC history. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/@ufc
After knocking out Chris Leben In just 49 seconds, capturing everyone's attention with his UFC debut, the Spider ushered in a new era for the organization by knocking out Rich Franklin in the first round in October 2006 with a series of powerful knee strikes to the American's face and body. This made him the new middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), a title he would hold for over six years. At the time, Franklin had only one loss as a professional (to...). Lyoto Machida) and was on an eight-fight winning streak. The two faced each other again a year later and the result was the same: another knockout in favor of the Brazilian.
#OnThisDay in 2006, @SpiderAnderson began one of the UFC's most historic title runs, defeating Rich Franklin by 2nd RD KO to win the MW belt
[via @UFCOnThisDay @UFCFightPass ] pic.twitter.com/tNBQhjGMj0
- UFC (@ufc) October 14, 2021
Conversely, the Russian reached the top of the UFC's most populous division by breaking the streak of 11 winning performances of Charles of the BronxThe belt was vacant after the Blurred Lion failed to make weight in the duel against Justin gaethjeThus, both athletes saw the confrontation as an opportunity to solidify themselves as the best in the world. On that occasion, Makhachev dominated and defeated the greatest finisher in Ultimate history with a katagatame in the second round.
Charles of the Bronx e Islam makhachev in front of the UFC 280. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Biggest rivalry
Islam makhachev overcame Alexander Volkanovsky No. UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@UFC
Even before properly celebrating winning the title, Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov They announced their desire to go to Australia and challenge. Alexander Volkanovsky, then featherweight champion (up to 65,7 kg) for the top spot in the pound-for-pound ranking. The two faced each other in a very balanced duel at UFC 284In February 2023, after 25 intense minutes, the Russian was declared the winner by unanimous decision, thwarting the Australian's dream of becoming a two-time champion.
The two faced each other for the second time ten months later, after Volk agreed to replace him. Charles of the Bronx with just two weeks' notice after the Brazilian suffered a cut above his eyebrow before the UFC 294This time, Makhachev had no difficulty knocking out his rival with a kick to the head.
1. Islam makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovsky
Say what you want about 14 days notice. Say what you want about the first fight. Islam put it all to rest. early in the first Islam landed a high kick volk has been susceptible to and it was all over. Just WoW. pic.twitter.com/myKOKf8Use
— BrayMMA (@BrayMMA84) December 9, 2023
Without a doubt, the main rival in the career of Anderson Silva was Chael SonnenOne of the best trash-talkers of all time, the American shared the octagon with the Brazilian for the first time in August 2010, at UFC 117, in one of the most memorable fights of all time. After being dominated for almost five rounds, the Spider pulled a triangle choke out of his hat and managed to finish his opponent at the last minute. Later, he revealed that he went into the fight with a rib injury. In contrast, Sonnen failed a drug test.
The rematch took place almost two years later in Las Vegas. Anderson suffered in the first five minutes, but came back stronger in the second round and ended the fight by technical knockout after the American gangster risked a spinning backfist and went down. Nobody knew it, but that would be the tenth and final time the Brazilian defended the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg).
Level change
Anderson Silva knocked out Vitor belfort at UFC 126. Photo: Reproduction / UFC
Despite already having one of the most brilliant careers in history, Anderson Silva had in the duel with Vitor belfort Perhaps his most memorable moment. Former training partners with a strong rivalry, the phenomenon was seen as one of Spider's potential nemesis. They faced each other in February 2011, and although it was a short fight, it changed the history of the sport in Brazil.
The fighter from São Paulo knocked out the fighter from Rio with a front kick to the face, the first time a UFC fight ended this way. The moment quickly became popular and transformed not only those involved in the fight into stars, but also brought MMA into the national spotlight. From then on, previously unknown athletes began to participate in major talk shows, and MMA definitively entered the 'show business'.
Exactly 13 years ago, ️ Anderson Silva e Vitor belfort they starred in the fight that changed the course of MMA in Brazil and was forever marked in the history of the UFC.
[Review iconic fights on @UFCFightPassBR ] pic.twitter.com/QkwRargy3o
- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) February 5, 2024
Makhachev experienced another moment of glory last Saturday (15). By dominating and beating the Australian Jack Della Maddalena In his last fight, the Russian became yet another fighter to capture belts in two weight classes. The result not only demonstrated the Dagestani's ability to expand his dominance into another territory, but also marked an era of dominance by fighters from the Caucasus in MMA.
Islam makhachev alongside the Dagestan Clan. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
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