The UFC has not been around nearly as long as other major sports leagues, but it has already produced several great champions. In less than a month, one of the greatest of those champions, Anderson Silva, will defend his title in a rematch with rival Chael Sonnen.
For more than five years, Silva has reigned over the UFC’s 185-pound division. Since dethroning Rich Franklin in October 2006, the Brazilian champion has defended his belt against nine challengers and will have extra incentive to reach double-digit title defenses at UFC 148.
Since his first bout with the long-standing middleweight champion in August 2010, Sonnen has personally attacked Silva. Though most of his insults have seemingly been in jest, Silva has taken Sonnen’s words personally and will be looking to shut up the challenger with a more definitive win in their rematch.
With the longest title run in UFC history on the line in only a few weeks, let’s take a look at where Silva stands among the greatest champions in the organization’s history.