UFC 153: Silva Destroys Bonnar

UFC 153 rocked the sold-out HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night. In an event list filled with Brazilian up-and-comers and all-time greats, UFC 153 pleased both Brazilian and Mixed Martial Arts fans alike.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the major card fights from that night:

Anderson “The Spider” Silva (33-4) v. Stephan “The American Psycho” Bonnar (17-8)

Hometown hero Anderson Silva took this fight to save the event. Moving up to the Light Heavyweight Division, he drew a huge applause from the crowd that continued throughout the fight. Silva is a master of his craft and with this fight, he proved he feared no competitor. Bonnar is a fighter with an unbreakable chin, having never been knocked out in his career before Saturday night. The fights he has lost have either gone to decision or were stopped by doctors.

Round One:

As for the fight, Bonnar came out swinging, knowing he had nothing to lose. Silva stumbled while trying to evade Bonnar, which gave Bonnar cage control early. The close-quarters battle continued throughout the first, with both fighters vying for cage control. When Bonnar tried to get separate and get distance, Silva leaned against the cage. He kept putting himself on the cage, giving Bonnar his fight. Experts claimed this was the only was Bonnar would win, and Silva looked to prove them wrong. Bonnar tried to close the distance, swinging at Silva, who effortlessly swayed out of the punches. Silva then went on the offensive, shooting for a takedown. Bonnar scrambled and got out of it, but he put himself against the cage. Silva landed a massive knee to the chest of Bonnar that crumpled him up. Bonnar fell to the canvas, and Silva finished the fight with a flurry of punches.

TKO Victory by Silva at 4:40 in the First round.

Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira (34-7) v. Dave Herman (21-5)

In the Heavyweight Division, Antonio Nogueira is an MMA legend. Known for his boxing and jiu-jitsu skills, Nogueira made his return to the Octagon for the first time since suffering a broken right humerus at the hands of Frank Mir at UFC 140. Dave Herman is a prolific brawler with finishing power. In a pre-fight interview, he said that he would finish Nogueira as “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Nogueira’s preferred style) doesn’t work.”

Round One:

Herman started out very aggressive landing a big knee on Nogueira. It was an even struggle throughout the round, with Herman getting the better of the standing exchanges. He appeared to target Nogueira’s right arm while striking.

Round Two:

In the second, it was Nogueira who landed early. A massive left hook rocked Herman, and he fell to the canvas. Quick to recover, Herman was able to use the cage for support. On the ground, Nogueira controlled Herman, advancing and wearing him down with punches. Nogueira looked for an armbar, and almost had it, but Herman escaped. Nogueira succeeded in his second attempt, rolling over, and then locking his signature move into place. Herman tapped out, proving that BJJ does work.

Submission Victory via Armbar for Nogueira at 4:31 in the Second round.

Glover Teixeira (19-2) v. Fabio Maldonado (18-6)

In the Light Heavyweight Division, Glover Teixeira is an up and coming fighter, but one who many others turned down the chance to fight.  Scheduled to take on Rampage Jackson, Fabio Maldonado stepped in to replace Rampage following an injury. Maldonado is known for his boxing prowess, with a 22-0 record. He has heart and a tremendous chin.

Round One:

Teixeira struck early and often. He controlled the pace of the fight, and dominated Maldonado throughout. From mount position, he rained down elbows. Yet, somehow, Maldonado hung on. While standing near the end of the first, Teixeira rocked Maldonado. Maldonado would not fall, using the cage to keep his dazed body afloat. Maldonado swung in this state, which nearly rocked Teixeira. Maldonado hung on long enough to survive the round, where even in his corner he still seemed dazed.