Current reigning UFC 185lb champion Anderson "The Spider" Silva (28-4-0) has agreed to meet #1 contender Yushin "Thunder" Okami (26-5-0) at the August 27 event that is currently referred to as UFC: Rio. This bout will most likely serve as the main event for the UFC's return to the birth place of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This would be a rematch of a bout that occurred in early 2006 at Rumble On The Rock 8 where the win that night was awarded to Okami that has carried some controversy over the years.
On Jan. 20, 2006, two middleweights who would eventually make their way to the UFC, met in a Hawaii based event that would serve some importance in each of their careers. In this first bout, the technical striker in Silva controlled the fight when standing, but Okami took control when getting the takedown. While on the ground, both fighters were considered downed with Silva on his back and Okami in his guard on his knees. While both were on the ground, Silva shot up a kick that connedted with Okami's chin and seriously rocked him. The referee separated the two and allowed Okami to recover. Silva claimed that he was not properly informed about the rules that included the declaration that kicking the head of a technically downed opponent is an illegal move. When coherent enough, Okami opted to accept the Disqualification Win over Silva, which officially marked a loss for Silva. With this technical victory, Okami is officially the last opponent to hold a win over Silva to this day.
As fans know, after that loss Silva went on one of the longest undefeated streaks in MMA history having racked up fourteen wins altogether, that also includes setting & breaking UFC records with: eight consecutive & successful title defenses, the most consecutive wins with thirteen wins, and even unified the UFC Middleweight & Pride FC Welterweight titles. Silva has taken wins over a list of elite fighters that includes former champ Rich Franklin twice, Nate Marquardt, Dan Henderson to unify the titles, former Light Heavyweight champ Forrest Griffin, elite wrestler Chael Sonnen, and the most recent over former Light Heavyweight champ Vitor Belfort. Silva has attracted controversy with such performances against Thales Leites and Demian Maia when he let both fights go to decision not doing much fighting at all. Silva met his greatest test in a five round title bout when he was dominated for almost the entire bout by Chael Sonnen until locking in a submission that saved him from losing the title. The most recent defense of his title was a highly hyped bout with Belfort where both were aware of the other's power until Silva shot up a shocking front kick to the jaw that sent his opponent down and landed a few shots to make the win impossible to dispute. Even with Okami being confirmed as the next contender to challenge Silva, the most demanded super-fight by fans is to set up Silva vs St. Pierre at 185lbs to settle who is truly the Pound-4-Pound best fighter ever in fighting history.
Okami has had a less promoted career since the early 2006 bout, having gone 12-3 since that night. Okami had been scheduled to rematch with Silva for the title, but suffered an injury that forced him out of the bout. Okami's most notable wins have come over former champ Evan Tanner, grappling champion Dean Lister, powerful wrestler Mark Munoz, and recently over longtime contender Nate Marquardt. The win over Marquardt earned him the chance to take on Silva, though the bout was put in jeopardy after fans' demand for Silva vs GSP finally attracted UFC President Dana White's full interest. After recent claims from both Silva and St. Pierre that neither was immediately interested in the match-up, and the fact that St. Pierre is scheduled to take on dangerous grappler Jake Shields does pose a great threat to the possibility of the dream bout. Okami's strong wrestling base is the key to victory as that has been witnessed to be the one weakness in Silva's defense. The first to prove this weakness was Dan Henderson who took Silva down and controlled him for the round. Travis Lutter controlled Silva on the ground for some time before choosing to stand for some reason. The last and the best to have proven this weakness was Sonnen who proved his elite wrestling as he took Silva down almost at will. All fans see this as the only possible means of success for Okami, who is without a doubt training specifically on his wrestling.
This highly anticipated title bout is expected to serve as the main event for what could become one of, if not the most, highly stacked card for the rest of the year. Silva will be seen as a homeland hero upon entering the arena and will the the overwhelming favorite to win what could be one of the most important bouts in his career as he will look to solidify his claim that his last official loss was nothing more than a fluke.
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