There have been many great champions in MMA and UFC history. Anderson Silva is undoubtedly the UFC middleweight of all time compiled one of the most impressive title reigns in mixed martial arts. He defended his belt 10 times and compiled a 34-13 record in his professional MMA promotion.
Silva defeated all the top middleweight contenders during his title reign and recorded many memorable performances. Silva was known for his prolific and crafty striking but also possessed an underrated grappling game. He recorded 26 victories by finish and will forever be remembered as a mixed martial arts legend.
10 Anderson Silva Defeats Chris Leben By First Round Knockout
After establishing a 17-4 record, Anderson Silva made his UFC debut in 2006 against top-ranked middleweight contender Chris Leben. Leben had compiled a 15-2 record and was on a six-fight winning streak.
The winner of this bout was in line to receive the next title shot against Rich Franklin who had compiled a 21-1 record and recorded two title defenses. Immediately, it was apparent that Silva was going to be a problem in the UFC. Within 30 seconds of round one, he blasted Leben with a powerful three-punch combination that rocked the Oregon native and sent him into survival mode.
Silva remained calm and used his movement and versatility to position himself to land a brutal knee that sent Leben to the canvas. The bout was stopped at 49 seconds of round one as Joe Rogan famously commented, "This is a different kind of striker." Silva celebrated his first UFC victory and would fight for the UFC middleweight belt in his sophomore appearance.
9 Anderson Silva Defeats Rich Franklin By First Round Knockout
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Before the arrival of Silva, Rich Franklin had undoubtedly established himself as the best middleweight in mixed martial arts. He had compiled a dominant 21-1 record and defended his middleweight title twice.
Unfortunately for Franklin, he came face to face with Silva's brutal knee attack. The Brazilian used a Muay Thai clinch to control Franklin's posture and land a plethora of brutal knees to the body of the champion.
He then broke Franklin's nose by landing another knee which broke the champion's defense and allowed Silva to continuously attack until Franklin fell to the ground. The referee stopped the fight at 2:59 of round one and crowned Silva the new UFC middleweight champion.
8 Anderson Silva Defeats Nate Marquardt By First Round Knockout
Silva made his first official title defense against top-ranked middleweight Nate Marquardt. Marquardt never did quite fulfill his potential, but he was always considered a top 10 fighter and one point was pegged as a future champion.
The Brazilian yet again put on a show by knocking out the challenge within four minutes of round one. This would be the start of Silva's incredible title reign and the first of many defenses.
7 Anderson Silva Defeats Dan Henderson By Second Round Submission
UFC 82 was a historic event that pitted UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, against middleweight Pride champion Dan Henderson. At the time, this was a super fight for the ages as both Silva and Henderson were considered two of the best middleweight on planet earth.
Many believed Henderson would have the edge on the ground due to his wrestling background and competitive record as an Olympic athlete. Henderson won round one by controlling Silva in the guard for the majority of the round.
In round two, Silva started to find his range and landed several powerful body kicks and 1-2 combinations that visibly took a toll on the challenger. He eventually secured Henderson's back and executed a rear-naked submission to retain the title. This would be Silva's third consecutive title defense since winning the title.
6 Anderson Silva Defeats James Irvin By First Round Knockout
After three successful title defenses, Silva fought James Irvin at light heavyweight. He began his attack in the round by throwing his signature left leg kicks to quickly establish his range and rhythm. Irvin responded by throwing a right kick of his own that Silva caught and countered by throwing a right cross.
The punch dropped Irvine on impact and Silva quickly followed to the floor with several more thunderous right hands before the referee stepped in to save Irvin.
5 Anderson Silva Defeats Forrest Griffin By First Round Knockout
Silva's victory over Forrest Griffin is undoubtedly the most lopsided and dominant victory of his career. Griffin's toughness and ability to take a punch proved to be useless against the powerful striking of the champion.
The pair met at light heavyweight and Silva embarrassed Griffin by easily avoiding his combinations and taunting his opponent by putting his hands down. He hurt Griffin several times before landing a jab that forced Griffin to quit upon hitting the floor.
4 Anderson Silva Defeats Chael Sonnen By Fifth Round Submission
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Silva's title defense against Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 was not a particularly strong performance from the champion. However, it is undoubtedly one of his most famous wins due to the result. Sonnen was the best wrestler that Anderson Silva had faced thus far in his career and many believed he could defeat Silva using his prolific wrestling.
The challenger took Silva down over and over between rounds one through four and even got the better of the striking exchanges which stunned the crowd and media in attendance.
Going into round five, Silva was likely down four rounds and needed a finish to retain the title. The champion did the unthinkable and locked in a triangle submission in the second half of round five which forced Sonnen to tap out.
The crowd cheered in awe and shock as the Brazilian retained his title and pulled off one of the most impressive comebacks in UFC history.
3 Anderson Silva Defeats Vitor Belfort By First Round Knockout
Anderson Silva's victory over Vitor Belfort might be the most mesmerizing octagon performance of his career. Belfort returned to the UFC in 2009 and established himself as the number one middleweight contender by knocking out Rich Franklin in the first round.
The two Brazilians met at UFC 126 and Silva made it clear he was unhappy with Belfort's comments during the weigh-ins. The two immediately began exchanging in round one as Silva used his craft head movement to avoid the power punches of Belfort.
In the second half of round one, Silva shocked those in attendance by throwing a left front kick straight into the face of Belfort. Belfort instantly staggered and fell to his knees and eventually the canvas. Silva followed up with two strikes to the head of Belfort before the referee had seen enough. It was an incredible performance for the champion who continued to show off his innovation and impeccable striking ability.
2 Anderson Silva Defeats Yushin Okami By Second Round Knockout
Silva's title defense at UFC 134 was another reminder of how incredible his striking was. The Brazilian was tasked with defending his title against Yushin Okami who held a DQ victory over the champion from years prior.
Silva utilized his powerful jab and kicks to consistently keep Okami guessing. Hurt the challenger several times between rounds one and two by landing a powerful head kick and constant jabs. He eventually landed a counter hook that dropped Okami and led to a finishing sequence at approximately two minutes of round two. Silva's dominance seemed to have no bound in the realm of MMA.
1 Anderson Silva Defeats Chael Sonnen By Knockout Round Two
Silva and Sonnen met again at UFC 148. The bout started similar to the first encounter with Sonnen looking to utilize his offensive wrestling. In round two, Sonnen threw a bizarre spinning back fist that ended with him on the floor and Silva on top.
Silva viscously attacked the challenger with a powerful knee to the body before finishing Sonnen with ground and pound in round two. This would be the final defense of his long and successful middleweight title reign.