How to beat Anderson Silva (2 of 4)

Continuing in our series of how to beat the seemingly unstoppable Anderson Silva (20-4, 5-0 in the UFC), let's look at Silva's most recent loss: to Yushin Okami (21-4, 5-1 in the UFC). Rumor has it that Okami, who has fulfilled his fight contract with the UFC, will not be re-signed. Why the UFC would risk further depleting its extremely thin Middleweight Division is beyond me, especially when the fighter in question holds a win over the champion.

Regardless, Okami's one loss inside the Octagon is to former champ Rich Franklin, placing a possible title shot on the distant horizon, if he's re-signed at all. But with 4 of his 6 UFC fights going to a decision, it seems improbable that the UFC wants him back.

Still, back on January 20, 2006, Okami met Silva in a tournament called Rumble on the Rock 8. What's interesting is that this fight took place at 170 lbs. Both Silva and Okami are considered to be HUGE middleweights today--Silva for his height and reach advantage, and Okami for his bulk. Apparently, back in early 2006, both fighters were significantly smaller.

The fight lasted only 2:33, and it ended with a disqualification of Silva due to illegal kick. I still don't understand what was illegal about it (had Okami not been kneeling and instead, standing, it would have been legal--but I still see it as an amazing KO), and Okami could have chosen to continue fighting; however, he likely knew Silva had his number that day, and he had the rest of the tournament to consider. So Okami took the win, albeit one that, in my eyes, is a dishonorable one. You decide: