A striker’s delight, the UFC returns to Vegas after hosting several events internationally. Anderson Silva will make what’s likely his final UFC fight; fittingly, “the Spider” will be leaving the UFC on Halloween. Facing off against Uriah Hall, Silva will likely be capping off a legendary UFC career. It seems apropos that Hall stands across the Spider in his final outing. This is because Hall was compared to Silva early on in his career, televised on The Ultimate Fighter. During the middleweight’s Ultimate Fighter stay, his spinning hook kick knockout over Adam Cella garnered viral attention. Hall’s name was put alongside the great Anderson Silva, due to his ability to secure spectacular knockouts.
Anderson “The Spider” Silva Ending UFC Career on Halloween
Silva will undoubtedly go down a legend, with several records to his name. For example, to this day he holds the coveted record for most consecutive wins (16). Another amazing record the “Spider” holds is most finishes in title fights. Comparatively, Jon Jones currently has six finishes in title bouts. But Silva is more than just a former champion and record holder. In his younger age, Silva highlighted early on why he would go on to run the middleweight division. Mainly, the Brazilian’s striking defense was so sharp, he left no doubt in the eyes of fans, after dodging shots in championship fights and still finding a way to get a blistering knockout.
Momentum is in question, as Silva has dropped his last two bouts. Despite the losses being against top tier competition, the Brazilian endured heavy damage in his last bout. Coming as no surprise, Silva has had issues with his legs since the nasty leg break to Chris Weidman. More recently, Silva lost via leg kick to Jared Cannonier at UFC 237, who fought in a title eliminator at UFC 254. Before that, Silva fought the undefeated champion, Israel Adesanya in a beautiful striking affair, but fell short. Conversely, Hall is coming off two wins. Momentum is in Hall’s corner after coming off solid performances against Bevon Lewis and Antonio Carlos Junior. The Spider’s final UFC fight will mark the end of a brilliant career, and indicate where Hall stands as a middleweight contender.
Anderson Silva’s Web — Fight Breakdown
Anderson Silva’s final UFC fight will mark the end of an era. Before we look to reminisce, let’s dissect how this fight might play out. A big question surrounding Silva is the condition of both his legs. Since shattering his right tibia against Weidman, it was horrific to see Silva endure another leg injury on the opposite leg. With over a year to recover since the Cannonier loss, fans can expect to see a passionate Silva.
In the later stage of his career, it would suit Silva best to close the distance. Disabling the rangy kicks is a priority and the legend gets this done with clinch work and dirty boxing. Against a precision kicker like Hall, Silva’s dirty boxing and knees will be essential to victory. Like against Rich Franklin, Silva used the Thai Plum clinch and launched knees until the American succumbed. Silva put on a clinic with violent clinch work; he attacked the body and head relentlessly. On Halloween and the Spider’s”final fight, closing the distance is a key path to victory.
Hall’s Flash
Recently, Hall has struggled to get a fight materialized after a few opponents dropped off during the pandemic era. Hall’s unique flair for striking makes him a pleasure to watch. Now after Jauquin Buckley’s viral spinning kick KO, you can bet the Kyokushin Karate expert will do his best to outperform that viral moment. Hall no doubt has the tools to get the job done against Silva, but will have to put all emotions aside. Sometimes, when a athlete fights the Spider, his legendary status causes them to get emotional. For instance, upon facing Silva. Israel Adesanya admitted to struggling to fight his idol. On Halloween, Hall will put emotions aside and look to make a statement against the admired Spider.
The younger Hall will need to impose an aggressive pace. As the younger fighter with likely a bigger gas tank, Hall needs to stick with rangy kicks. Also Hall will need to pick Anderson Silva apart from the outside and keep a high guard to watch for Silva’s grabs and unique striking. Targeting Silva’s legs is a no-brainer, but Hall’s kicking ability is extremely diverse. Since Silva can be difficult to finish, body kicks may be an essential weapon for the crafty kicker. Above all, fans are in for treat on Halloween, as the Spider’s final UFC fight closes out an era, and sends each man in opposite trajectories.
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