7. Anderson Silva v Chael Sonnen
Chael Sonnen almost beat Anderson Silva. It was remarkable. He went to Brazil, badmouthing the champion and their people. Then he totally outstruck the champion – one of the best stand-up artists of all time – and was on the brink of victory. Until Silva pulled off an astonishing submission.
The pair had a rematch which ended in much more convincing fashion. Silva got the knockout in the second round. But the hype and build-up on the way to that rematch were there for all to see. Sonnen made Silva emotional and very few fighters can say that they’ve achieved that.
