Wanderlei Silva vs Chris Leben may have been the toughest fight that I have personally witnessed. I like both but Wanderlei is everyone’s favorite literally. Early in the fight Wanderlei rocked Leben, but as Wanderlei pushed forward he was caught, which led to a clinch and then 4 solid uppercuts that led to Wanderlei dropping and Leben showering punches and finishing one of the greatest fighters who has ever lived.
After the fight Wanderlei took over a minute to regain complete consciousness. He tried to grapple with the referee until he realized that it was over. After he stood he turned to watch the monitor to see what took place, and you could see the disappointment on his face. After the official decision was made, Wanderlei exited and the look of disappointment was clear on his face.
Leben was extremely excited, which was expected. He defeated his hero by Knock out. He even said that Wanderlei was his hero and thanked him for all he has done. Leben definitely redeemed himself in this fight, and showed he still has it. The direction that the UFC goes with him is a big question mark though.
After this, it is unknown what the UFC will do with Wanderlei. He said that he wanted to fight for 5 more years, but there is a possibility that he could be cut. If he remains, then it would make sense to give him someone like the loser of Belfort vs Akiyama, or a guy like Aaron Simpson. It just doesn’t make sense to feed him to the sharks anymore.
Chris Leben has moced himself back into a picture where he needs a top name. Give him a mid to top guy. Chael Sonnen is now able to fight again. This could set up a welcome back to the UFC fight for Sonnen.
This fight, could and should win KO of the night.
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