Last week the fans saw Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s retirement, and they might see the same situation here, with one of the greatest MMA fighters ever putting an end to his career. Anderson Silva meets Uriah Hall in the UFC Fight Night 181.
UFC Fight Night 180: Brian Ortega vs. Korean Zombie Preview and Pick
Uriah Hall -215
The Prime Time (15-9 MMA, 8-7 UFC) is coming into this after two wins in a row and wants to add one big name to his collection, even though Silva is way past his peak. However, there is more than just a win here, because Hall’s time is running out also, and he needs to have a big match shortly otherwise, he might end up as a mediocre fighter.
Uriah Hall fight week
Just brutal 😬 https://t.co/G3gu8LszX7
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) October 27, 2020
The way things are right now, Uriah Hall wil go down as a guy who could do big things, but without notable fights. This is the main reason why he needs to win here, and extend the winning streak with a big name. If he does that, the UFC will probably give him another chance to meet a high-ranked UFC middleweight fighter.
Anderson Silva +190
The Spider (34-10 MMA, 17-6 UFC) is a living legend, a guy who formed and shaped the UFC, and who received a lot of beating since losing the title against Chris Weidman some seven years ago.
From that moment on, Silva posted one win, five losses, and one no contest. Even though the majority were via decision, the latest one against Jared Cannonier really damaged his reputation.
🕷 Anderson Silva 🕸
👑 Longest championship reign in UFC history – 2457 days.
💪 Longest win streak in UFC history – 16
👊 Most finishes in UFC title fights – 9
🙌 Most fights in middleweight division – 13
🏅 10 title defences in a row
💰 14 fight bonuses
📺 17 PPV Main Events pic.twitter.com/Vew7TvpYUc— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 29, 2020
He is not the old Silva, the guy who was roaring inside the octagon, beating the rivals with the quickness and reflexes never seen before. If you look at today’s middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, he clearly tries to copy Silva’s style. Yet even though Izzy is one of a kind specimen and is unstoppable, he is nowhere near the Spider from this prime days.
Prediction
It was pretty enjoyable writing about Silva’s past and his historical impact, but unfortunately for all of his fans, that time is gone. He has 45 years now, and is way older than Hall, who is a veteran himself.
The majority would like to see Silva ending his career with a victory, but that will not happen. Hall is better right now and is way faster and powerful than his rival, and the logical choice is to bet on his triumph.