It almost happened.
For the first time in nearly six years, former Pride standout Wanderlei Silva almost won back-to-back fights. Unfortunately for the fan favorite in Silva, he wasn’t able to finish the dazed and confused Rich Franklin despite a rapid attack in the second frame of UFC 147‘s main event.
Silva would go on to lose the next three rounds where he saw yet another immeasurable opportunity slip away. Silva had fallen again.
When the judges reached their decision, there were few in the world who were surprised to see Franklin’s hand raised via unanimous decision. It was a clear-cut decision and Silva knew it.
Following the loss, the critics hit the social media market questioning whether or not the all-time great in Silva should call it quits to a historical career. And, the answer to that question is very simple. Yes.
There was a time in Silva’s career where he mauled through opponents, quickly becoming recognized as MMA‘s most dangerous fighter. Silva established a legacy that couldn’t possibly be broken as he was able to reel off 18 straight fights without a loss.
Or could it?
Now, at 35 years old, Silva is clearly well past his glory days. Since joining the UFC at UFC 87 to take on heavy-hitting Chuck Liddell, Silva has lost five of his eight UFC fights. No longer is Silva living on his dangerous striking and rapid approach, but merely a fading reputation from his early days in Pride.
While Silva will always be remembered as one of the greatest martial artists of all time, his days as a legitimate contender in any promotion have quickly come to pass.
As his reputation will begin to tarnish, Wanderlei Silva needs to call it quits.
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