And now it’s time to talk about the Middleweights (185 lbs.). 99% of MMA fans are split on the issue of who the world’s best fighter is. Half of those 99% (self included) feel that Georges-St. Pierre is the best fighter in the world. The other half believes that UFC Middleweight Anderson Silva is the best fighter in the world.
Silva is 11-0 in the UFC, and is riding a twelve fight winning streak, and hasn’t lost a fight since 2006 (and that was a DQ loss). So he’s clearly the top dog at 185 lb. Behind him, it gets a little bit messy. The UFC has yet to find a middleweight who can legitimately challenge Silva (nor can they find a light heavyweight to challenge him for that matter).
Add to that the fact that Strikeforce actually has a nice collection of decent middleweights, and this division is hard to wade through. Add to all that the fact that there is no consensus after the top four or five fiddleweights. For instance, I have Vitor Belfort ranked #5, but I know there are plenty of people who wouldn’t put him in their own top ten. That said, let’s try to muddle through here.
THE BEST MIDDLEWEIGHT IN THE WORLD
Anderson Silva (26-4)
Fights for: UFC
Next fight: vs. Chael Sonnen, UFC 117, August 7
Synopsis: “The Spider” is the most incredible fighter I’ve ever seen. When he is clicking on all cylinders, nobody is more entertaining. He’s faster, more skilled, more athletic, and better skilled than everyone, and it’s not even close. When he’s in the right mindset, he destroys opponents without even breaking a sweat.
The most accurate and technical striker in the world, he also has devastating power in his hands, feet, knees, and elbows. He’s fantastic in standup defense as well. There are plenty of clips of him dodging punches by rotating out of the way, Matrix-style. Silva’s also a BJJ black belt on top of his devastating Muay Thai based standup game.
He’s dominated wrestlers, strikers, and BJJ specialists with ease, and with flair. He is also mercurial, petulant, recalcitrant, and will give much less than 100% effort against opponents he deems unfit to be paired with in the octagon. He’s probably the most fascinating, and one of the more polarizing, personalities that the sport has ever seen.
If he ever moves up to light heavyweight (205 lbs.) on a permanent basis (he’s taken two LHW fights in the UFC), he’d instantly be the number one contender for that title as well.
Notable Victories: Hayato Sakurai, Carlos Newton, Lee Murray (Google that name, trust me), Chris Leben, Rich Franklin (x2), Nate Marquardt, Dan Henderson, Patrick Cote, Thales Leites, Forrest Griffin, Demian Maia
Conclusion: It’s perplexing, but almost understandable, to see Silva turn it off halfway through a fight when he knows his opponent has nothing for him. He toyed with Cote, Leites, and Maia in a manner which has led Dana White to publicly threaten Silva’s job with the UFC. He’s the most electrifying man in sports entertainment (sorry Dwayne, but it’s true), and Chael Sonnen will fight him in such a manner that Silva won’t be able to take a moment off. If Silva takes this fight seriously, it will be beautiful to watch. If not, he’s in danger of dropping his title. Silva is facing his first legitimate MW test since Dan Henderson in March of 2008.
THE ELITE
Chael Sonnen (24-10-1)
Fights for: UFC
Next fight: vs. UFC MW Champion Anderson Silva, UFC 117, August 7
Synopsis: Chael Sonnen is the best wrestler in MMA. Period. He has two NCAA Championships and a silver medal at the 2001 world championships to back up this claim. If he grabs you, you’re going down. If he gets on top of you, you’re staying down until the bell rings. His striking skills are moderate at best, and he’s not looking to throw any fancy chokes or joint locks on his opponent. His style is as basic and as predictable as it gets.
But that’s a testament to his ability; here it comes, try to stop it. He’s also the only man in the world with a victory over Paulo Filho, back when they were both in the WEC. Sonnen has been talking a non-stop shit storm to hype up his title bout with Anderson Silva. He’s a genius, a train-wreck, or talking himself into a beating (or maybe all three) depending on who you ask.
Notable Victories: Jason Miller, Trevor Prangley, Paulo Filho, Yushin Okami, Nate Marquardt
Conclusion: Sonnen’s a straight shooter, both in the cage and out. His ground and pound is absolutely savage, and he possesses more self-belief than anyone else in MMA. The MMA world, even those who hate Sonnen, fervently hopes that he'll present a strong challenge to Anderson Silva at UFC 117
Nate Marquardt (29-9-2)
Fights for: UFC
Next fight: vs. Rousimar Palhares, UFC 118, August 28
Synopsis: Nate “The Great” has earned his nickname, rhyming scheme notwithstanding. The most well-rounded fighter in the division, there’s nothing that Marquardt can’t do. Except defeat Anderson Silva, of course, but there’s no shame in that. A seven time King of Pancrase (Japanese thing, don’t worry about it), Marquardt has seen everything there is to see in the sport, and is ever improving. Chael Sonnen took him down at will at UFC 109, so it would seem his takedown defense could use a little work. Exceptionally strong, Marquardt is patient yet aggressive on offense, smart with his defense, and knows how to finish a fight.
Notable Victories: Kazuo Misaki, Ivan Salaverry, Dean Lister, Martin Kampmann, Demian Maia
Conclusion: Marquardt has been considered a consensus top five MW for several years running. He was one win away from a rematch with Anderson Silva before Chael Sonnen defeated him in February of 2010. Marquardt is good enough, and exciting enough, where he could get back to title contention with two or three wins in a row. He’ll get his first chance at redemption on August 28 versus BJJ wizard Rousimar Palhares.
THE NEXT LEVEL
Yushin Okami (24-5)
Fights for: UFC
Next fight: vs. Mark Munoz, UFC Live on Versus 2, August 1
Synopsis: Overlooked. Underrated. Dangerous. Okami is an enigma. He’s a large Japanese fighter who has had success in the States, he’s a very good wrestler and knows how to cut a lot of weight before fights. Okami is the last fighter to defeat Anderson Silva, although to be fair it was a DQ victory before either fighter was in the UFC.
Okami has been on the precipice of a title shot on numerous occasions, but was never handed that golden ticket, in part due to his fighting style. Okami is actually more fun to watch than the reputation that precedes him would lead one to believe, although in years past that criticism of him was a fair one. He’s a very good wrestler, with good boxing, and great ground and pound. His wins over the late Evan Tanner (sigh) and Lucio Linhares are hopefully harbingers of things to come for Okami. Assuming that Okami is in fact developing into a more exciting fighter, his fight this Sunday against Mark Munoz should be awesome
Notable Victories: Anderson Silva (!), Alan Belcher, Mike Swick, Evan Tanner, Jason MacDonald, Dean Lister
Conclusion: Okami seems to have figured out that being a non-English speaking foreigner in the UFC, and fighting a conservative style that is not fan-pleasing (albeit effective) is not the way to a title shot. Hopefully for Okami, a couple more impressive victories will get him a shot at MW gold.
Vitor Belfort (19-8)
Fights for: UFC
Next fight: TBA
Synopsis: Vitor Belfort is a legend in the sport. He’s on his third stint with the UFC, having fought for them in 1997-1998, and from 2002-2005. He was one of the biggest stars in the UFC’s early days, having won the UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament and by beating Wanderlei Silva in his first penultimate fight with the company.
During his second stint in the Octagon he defeated Randy Couture for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Belfort has fought all comers in multiple weight classes. He’s been fighting since 1996, so it comes as a surprise to many to learn that he’s still only 33. The two questions about this incarnation of Vitor Belfort are: 1.) Is he a MW, and B.) How good is he still?
In this, his third go around with the UFC; he has had one fight, not at MW but at a catch-weight of 195 lb., which resulted in a one punch KO of Rich Franklin. His two previous fights before rejoining the UFC were impressive KOs at MW, so he has fought there before. “The Phenom” was awarded a MW title shot after his shocking KO over Franklin at UFC 103, but had to pull out to injury; an injury from which he is still recuperating.
Notable Victories: Wanderlei Silva, Gilbert Yvel, Heath Herring, Randy Couture, Matt Lindland, Rich Franklin
Conclusion: It’s hard to know just how good Belfort is right now, but as he showed against Rich Franklin, he’s still extremely dangerous.
Demian Maia (12-2)
Fights for: UFC
Next fight: vs. Alan Belcher, UFC Fight Night 22, September 15
Synopsis: Now we’re talking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at its highest form. Maia is a second degree black belt in BJJ, and is widely known as one of the best MMA BJJ guys in the world. In 2007 Maia won the 87 kg division Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Championships, which is the most prestigious grappling tournament in the world.
Upon debuting with the UFC in 2007 he rattled off five consecutive submission victories, winning ‘Submission of the Night’ four times. The streak of submissions was capped off by choking out current #1 contender Chael Sonnen halfway through round one. Maia followed up that high with a 19 second one punch KO loss at the right hand of Nate Marquardt.
Maia did eventually earn a title shot for Anderson Silva’s MW title, but he never stood a chance. It was apparent within two minutes to everybody that he was unwilling or unable to compete, and Silva spent most of the fight toying with him like a cat would toy with a cornered mouse.
Notable Victories: Jason MacDonald, Dan Miller, Chael Sonnen
Conclusion: Maia needs to work nothing but Muay Thai and boxing for the next two years if he plans to be any kind of consistent threat to the top of the division. It’s next to impossible to win a UFC title while being a one trick pony, even if you are the best of the best at that trick.
Dan Henderson (25-8)
Fights for: Strikeforce
Next fight: TBA
Synopsis: Hendo is a legend. Anyone who tells you otherwise is ignorant, or has an agenda. Hendo built his name and his legend in PRIDE, back when PRIDE was the most talent-rich organization in the world. Before taking up MMA, he was a NCAA Division 1 wrestler, and wrestled in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics in Greco Roman.
He has won tournaments or championships in every organization he has ever fought for (not including his current deal with Strikeforce, where he is only one fight in). Beloved by most MMA fans for legendary victories over the likes of Renzo Gracie, Wanderlei Silva (in Pride’s only show to originate in America), and most recently Michael Bisping, Henderson has credentials that all but a minute handful of fighters could ever dream of having.
Despite having only five career UFC fights at the time, he became a fan favorite to all when he disposed of Bisping with one of the most ridiculous KO finishes of all time at UFC 100, which also happened to be the highest selling MMA PPV to date. Hendo prefers to fight at Light Heavyweight (205 lbs.) and has stated recently that he wishes to finish his career at that weight.
Notable Victories: Carlos Newton, Gilbert Yvel, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Renato Sobral, Renzo Gracie, Akihiro Gono, Murilo Bustamante (x2), Kazuo Misaki, Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva, Rousimar Palhares, Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping
Conclusion: That’s one hell of a list. I pared a few names from it that might make other fighters’ lists just to avoid overkill. He’s beaten heavyweights (Nog, Yvel), light heavyweights (Sobral, Franklin), middleweights (tons) and welterweights (Gono) as well. He’s beaten almost everybody, and done almost everything. He is at the tail end of his career, though, having been overwhelmed by Jake Shields in his Strikeforce debut. A rematch ten-plus years in the making with Renato “Babalu” Sobral is likely next on his agenda.
Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1, 1 NC)
Fights for: UFC
Next fight: TBA (currently injured)
Synopsis: Since we’re speaking of all time legends. It’s next to impossible to think about Dan Henderson without thinking of Dan Henderson. “The Axe Murderer” was just a human killing machine in PRIDE. After losing to a much larger Tito Ortiz in April of 2000, Silva didn’t lose another fight until New Years Eve of 2004 when he dropped a split decision to a much larger Mark Hunt.
In 2001 he won the PRIDE Middleweight Championship (akin to the Light Heavyweight division in the UFC, 205 lbs.), and successfully held that title for more than five years when Dan Henderson knocked him out at PRIDE 33 in Las Vegas. During his time in PRIDE, his only losses were to Hunt, Mirko Cro Cop, Ricardo Arona, and the aforementioned loss to Henderson. The devastating back to back KO losses to Cro Cop and Henderson may have taken some of the steam out of his sails, as he is only 2-3 in the UFC since his 2007 return to the company.
Notable Victories: Eugene Jackson, Dan Henderson, Kazushi Sakuraba (x3), Rampage Jackson (x2), Ricardo Arona, Keith Jardine, Michael Bisping
Conclusion: The main reason Silva is in this section, as opposed to the pool, is based on his legendary status in the sport. He deserves extra mention for all he has accomplished in MMA. No longer elite, but still dangerous as hell, Silva has a fan pleasing style which features both wild abandon and supreme recklessness.
Robbie Lawler (19-6, 1 NC)
Fights for: Strikeforce
Next fight: TBA
Synopsis: Lawler’s a slugger. Punchy punchy. He knows how to wrestle, but chooses not to. He owns a gym with Matt Hughes, and still hasn’t added anything to his game since breaking into the UFC as an undefeated 20 year old phenom all the way back at UFC 27 in May of 2002.
After an underwhelming 4-3 UFC campaign, he left the company at the ripe old age of 22 and floated around from one independent to another until winding up with EliteXC in 2007. After they folded his contract was picked up by Strikeforce. He was the EliteXC Middleweight Champion (a feat, given EliteXC’s roster, which sounds more impressive than it actually is) but has not had the same success in Strikeforce. He is 1-0 as a Strikeforce MW, but has lost to Jake Shields at a 182 lb. Catchweight, and most recently to Renato “Babalu” Sobral in June of 2010 at a 195 lb. catchweight.
Notable Victories: Chris Lytle, Frank Trigg, Scott Smith, Melvin Manhoef
Conclusion: Punchy punchy gets old after a while. Evolve already!
Alan Belcher (16-6)
Fights for: UFC
Next fight: Demian Maia, UFC Fight Night 22, September 15
Synopsis: Winner in six of his last eight fights, and seven out of eleven UFC fights, Belcher has silently turned himself into a contender. I have to say, on a personal note, I didn’t realize that “The Talent” (I know, right?) has eleven UFC fights under his belt. One of the best Muay Thai practitioners in the sport, and owner of a fantastic BJJ game, Belcher has finally caught the attention of UFC management and fans alike. Belcher would have been in this position a year ago had the Three Blind Mice who scored his UFC 100 fight with Yoshihiro Akiyama in his favor (flame away, Belcher won that fight easy!). Belcher is also the owner of the worst tattoo in the history of tattoos. Bonus points if you can figure out who that is on his left arm.
Notable Victories: Jorge Santiago, Denis Kang, Patrick Cote
Conclusion: At 26 years old, Belcher is in his prime, motivated to make his mark on the MMA world, and has all the talent in the world. He’s young enough where he can rebound from a loss to Demian Maia this September, and good enough to contend for a title with a win.
THE POOL
Yoshihiro Akiyama is a Pretty boy cheat. His victory over the most legendary fighter of all time, Kazushi Sakuraba, was overturned because he confessed to greasing before walking to the ring. He is now the most hated man in Japanese MMA, which is why he’s fighting (poorly) for the UFC now. To his credit, his fight with Chris Leben at UFC 116 in July of 2010 is the leading candidate for Fight of the Year. His next fight is against Brit Michael Bisping, the winner of Season Three of TUF. Bisping may be the most hated UFC fighter, in part because of the way he taunted Dan Henderson when they coached against each other in Season Nine. Hernderson taunted Bisping by knocking him unconscious at UFC 100. Akiyama and Bisping are main eventing UFC 120 this October. Chris Leben defeated Akiyama at UFC 116 in one of the best fights of all time, and lost to Bisping at UFC 89 in one of the worst. Leben, who is notorious for his sting on TUF Season One, has morphed from an unstable and undisciplined headcase into a complete professional with the maybe best chin in the sport. It’s very gratifying to his fans to see how he’s turned his life and career around over the last five years.
Mark Munoz is a two-time NCAA All-American and National Champion wrestler at Oklahoma State. He didn’t take his first MMA fight until He was 29 years old, so despite his lack of experience it is hard to consider him a prospect. Owner of one of the best come from behind victories of 2010 (Kendall Grove, UFC 112), Munoz is being thrust into the limelight with a fight against Okami on August 1. It is now time to sink or swim. Tim Kennedy is another “old prospect” who is being pushed hard due to his advancing age. Kennedy will be facing Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza at the next Strikeforce show on August 21. Kennedy is a former Special Forces sniper in the US Army, and managed to fight professionally while serving in the military. His fight with Jacare at the next Strikeforce show will be for the vacant Strikeforce Middleweight Championship. Jacare is the only MW who can put his BJJ up against Demian Maia’s, but Jacare has more athleticism and the potential to become a solid striker. But he will never be 1% the striker that is Cung Le. A former Strikeforce MW Champion, Le is the most entertaining striker in professional sports, bar none. Jorge Santiago found little success in the UFC, but has thrived in Japan fighting for Sengoku. His next opponent will be Kazuo Miskai at the next Sengoku event in August.
Hector Lombard is the current Bellator MW Champion, having won their MW tournament last year. He faces zero elite competition there, which is sad because his contract doesn’t allow him to leave as long as he is champion, and he could someday be one the best fighters in the world; he’s that good, potentially. Paulo Filho was once regarded as one of the top three MWs in the world, but has too many personal demons to focus on the sport right now. If he gets his head together, he could shoot back to the top of the division in no time flat.
MY CURRENT MIDDLEWEIGHT RANKINGS:
1. Anderson Silva
2. Chael Sonnen
3. Nate Marquardt
4. Yushin Okami
5. Vitor Belfort
6. Dan Henderson
7. Alan Belcher
8. Hector Lombard
9. Ronaldo Souza
10. Chris Leben
UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONS
1. Dave Menne
a. Defeated Gil Castillo at UFC 33 to become first UFC MW Champion
2. Murilo Bustamante
a. Defeated Dave Menne at UFC 35 to become UFC MW Champion
b. Defeated Matt Lindland at UFC 37 (Stripped of title after signing with PRIDE)
3. Evan Tanner
a. Defeated David Terrell at UFC 51 to win vacant UFC MW Championship
4. Rich Franklin
a. Defeated Evan Tanner at UFC 53 to win UFC MW Championship
b. Defeated Nathan Quarry at UFC 56
c. Defeated David Louiseau at UFC 58
5. Anderson Silva
a. Defeated Rich Franklin at UFC 64 to become UFC MW Champion
b. Defeated Nate Marquardt at UFC 73
c. Defeated Rich Franklin at UFC 77
d. Defeated Dan Henderson at UFC 82
e. Defeated Patrick Cote at UFC 90
f. Defeated Thales Leites at UFC 97
g. Defeated Demian Maia at UFC 112
[Anderson Silva art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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