Anderson Silva: The Rise of ‘The Spider’ and His 13-Win Streak in the UFC

Anderson “The Spider” Silva is on a 13-fight winning streak in the UFC: 8 coming by way of KO/TKO. 3 by way of Submission. 2 by Unanimous Decision. To date he has successfully defended his UFC middleweight title a record eight times. The on…

Anderson “The Spider” Silva is on a 13-fight winning streak in the UFC:

8 coming by way of KO/TKO.

3 by way of Submission.

2 by Unanimous Decision.

To date he has successfully defended his UFC middleweight title a record eight times. The only fighter to even come close to that record is current UFC welterweight champion George St. Pierre; who has successfully defended his title six times.

“The Spider” has won eight Fight Bonuses, more than any other fighter in the UFC, save for Chris “Lights Out” Lytle, with whom he shares the record.

Silva’s UFC Fight Bonuses: Knockout of the night; Rich Franklin, Fight and Submission of the night; Dan Henderson, Fight and Knockout of the night; Forrest Griffin, Fight and Submission of the night; Chael Sonnen and Knockout of the night; Vitor Belfort.

“The Spider” is set to defend his title for a record ninth time when he throws down with Yushin “Thunder” Okami on Aug. 27 at UFC 134 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Okami is the same fighter who defeated Anderson Silva via disqualification.

That was more than five years ago at Rumble on the Rock 8. Yushin Okami won the fight by default; whilst Okami secured top position, Silva struck Okami with an up kick to his chin (temporarily rendering him unconscious) that was deemed to be illegal. And that was the reason for his disqualification.

For Anderson “The Spider” Silva; UFC 134 is all about Revenge, Resolution, but most of all; Redemption.

The indomitable Anderson Silva is indubitably, pound for pound the greatest mixed martial artist of his aeon.

He has dominated his contemporaries and destroyed his peers, and in doing so, has achieved both an iconic and venerated status amongst the aforementioned.

His pre-eminence is admired by the fans as well, whether they love him or despise him.

Since his debut in the UFC, no fighter yet has deciphered the enigma that is Anderson “The Spider” Silva.

Let’s take a look at his 13 hits:

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