Anderson Silva Meets A Younger Version Of Himself Tonight At UFC 234
In the newly promoted main event of UFC 234 – and the fight many have considered the “People’s Main Event” of the card all along – Anderson “The Spider” Silva makes his return to the UFC octagon after spending two years away from the sport to face off with Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, who could easily be considered the new-age Silva after just four UFC bouts over one year.
Transitioning from more singular combat sports to mixed martial arts isn’t always the easiest process, especially at the highest level, but Adesanya has sure made it look like one, and with a win tonight, will be next in line for a shot at the UFC Middleweight Championship after Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum sort their shit out, which has gotten…
…I guess, juuuuust a bit messy following the champion’s hernia late last night, forcing him to be pulled off tonight’s card, but I digress.
A 75-5-1 kickboxer, 5-1 boxer, and now 15-0 mixed martial artist, Stylebender made his UFC debut just 364 days ago, and has picked up four wins and three ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses in the process, becoming an INSTANT fan favorite. And one of my favorites, as well.
Israel’s improvements shown in each and every one of his bouts inside the cage are undeniable, most notably his grappling progression – stuffing all seven of Derek Brunson’s takedown attempts in his last outing – and while Anderson Silva’s prime is long gone, he also ain’t no spring chicken, and has a chance to make this one incredibly interesting, being his style is mostly what inspired the Stylebender‘s.
Tonight, The Spider shows if masters truly are what they grow beyond, or if he just is, and is deserving of one more shot at UFC gold…and on the other hand, Israel Adesanya has the opportunity to put on a show near his home in New Zealand down unda, and potentially end the career of one of his idols on his way to the top.
I can’t fucking wait. War Stylebender.
P.S. Here’s why Chael P Sonnen truly is The American Gangster, and why he’s the absolute best…
Former blogs I’ve written on “The Last Stylebender”…