Interesting excerpts from MMA Linker about the Silva-Sonnen fight in UFC 117.
Smack-talk has long been used as an easy way to sell fights. The formula is simple – build interest by creating and intensifying animosity between two fighters; the ensuing drama will lure people in, eager to watch two guys who hate each other, beat each other up. Chael Sonnen knows the recipe all too well, and in the lead-up to UFC117 spiced things up considerably with his own highly combustible ingredients. Sonnen blasted away – at times seemingly indiscriminately….
In contrast to the outspoken Sonnen, Silva stayed quiet. Very quiet. He stayed so quiet that he eventually drew criticism from the media, frustrated with his refusal to engage with Sonnen. Of course, this wasn’t the first time that Silva had refused to meaningfully engage with an opponent.
The first four rounds of the fight Chael Sonnen had dominated Anderson Silva, and seem to have the victory in the bag. But in the fifth and final round Anderson Silva was able to pull out a “rabbit-from-his-hat”;
With two-and-a-half minutes remaining Silva gains control of Sonnen’s right wrist, takes a few shots to the ribs before throwing a beautifully timed strike to Sonnen’s left eye socket. Sonnen is badly hurt and covers up quickly in an attempt to protect his eye. Silva swings his left leg up and locks Sonnen into a triangle! Sonnen struggles, manages to get to his feet but Silva is too strong and pulls Sonnen back to the ground. Josh Rosenthal is on top of the action, and with less than two minutes left to go in the fight, Sonnen taps, and the crowd goes crazy.
To check out the fight at:
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