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Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has been there and done it. He was once pegged as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, a label reserved for a very few of the elite in the sport.
Silva’s reign of dominance started as UFC 64 against the champion of the time Rich Franklin. After just one fight for the UFC, Silva stood against ‘Ace,’ who was then described as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
‘The Spider’ broke Franklin’s will and knocked him out with a nasty set of knees to the head. The Brazilian knockout artist would the go on a spree that is yet to be levelled to this day. Silva’s record of longest title reign (2457 days) and most consecutive title defenses (10) is astounding.
He also holds 16 straight wins under the UFC banner, the longest streak in the promotion’s history. Taking out legends like Rich Franklin (twice), Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort — It’s no wonder Silva will go down in the annuls as one of the greatest ever.
It hasn’t all been walks in the park and GOAT streak for Anderson Silva though. Aside from the fact he hasn’t won a fight since 2012, ‘The Spider’s’ struggles before he hit the big time were somewhat worse.
Bet you’ve never heard the story of when Silva nearly killed a guy?