Well folks, it’s official. Anderson “The Spider” Silva is unequivocally and undeniably the best MMA middleweight (185 lbs.) fighter in the world. I just got finished watching UFC 82 Pride of a Champion alongside my friend and fellow fight enthusiast at his home, where he, like almost everyone else I’ve spoken to, was absolutely sure that Dangerous Dan Henderson would “shock the world” tonight and give U.S. fans and the UFC their “American” title holder.

Earlier today, while I was turning in some bottles and cans at the local recycling plant. I spoke to guys there who expressed similar sentiments about the pending match, “Yup, Henderson’s got heavy hands.” and “It’ll probably go to the end of the first round. But as soon as he [Henderson] finds his range, it’s all over!” So sayeth the boys at the recycling plant. Fact is, this was the feeling of a lot of people. The big question: Can Silva take a hit and still maintain his game? Has his chin been tested to that extent?

Everyone in MMA today is well aware of Dan Henderson’s fabled “right hand”, true. But this is also the same right hand that proved virtually ineffective at 205 lbs. against Light-heavyweight Champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson last year. Still, many had hoped that a return to his normal fighting weight of 185 lbs. would make all of the difference in the world.

Don’t get the wrong idea. I like Henderson. He’s a game competitor and an outstanding fighter. And, a really nice guy. But in this venue, he appeared out-matched.

Perhaps it was the game plan? I saw a lot of flaws in Henderson’s approach to fighting Silva. Silva on the other hand fought a stellar fight. As seamless and flawless a performance as I’ve ever seen.

From the start of the fight, Henderson made the mistake of pursuing Silva in an attempt to test his punching power. Silva seemed to recognize this and set about creating a distance between them, one to his [Silva’s] advantage. Silva didn’t waste a lot of energy early on either, it was pretty obvious he was on a range finding mission, stalking, setting Henderson up. Henderson just didn’t or couldn’t see it. With a taller fighter, the shorter stronger fighter must move inside and away from the other fighters’ power shots, deliver his strongest punches and kicks and then circle out and away. Henderson didn’t do that. His linear movement both in and out set him in perfect range of Silva’s long punches and kicks. By the second round Silva had enough information on Henderson’s fighting style to “close in for the kill.” To Henderson’s credit, he fired off and landed one of the hardest left/right combinations I’m sure Silva’s ever been hit with. But it was too little, too late as Silva got off his own right/left followed by that left leg kick to the head that set the end in motion. When they hit the deck, I knew then (as did everyone else I believe) it was just a matter of time before Silva finished Henderson off. It was very apparent who was in command on the ground at this juncture of the fight.

Henderson was a gentleman and took the loss gracefully. Silva’s wide-mouthed grin said it all in every language, no translation necessary.

I don’t know what the UFC has in store for Anderson Silva or for that matter what he may have in store for us, but I know he’s too thin to go down in weight to challenge anyone for a title there and going up in weight means 20 lbs. and fellas’ that hit a helluva’ lot harder than 185’s. 205’s play heavy and they play for keeps. I know, I have to bang ’em to keep ’em off of me too.

Boys… I’ll tell you what. The next time one of you decides to go after “The Spider.” Do us all a favor and take a little more than curds and whey with you…oh, and lay off of Lil’ Miss Muffitt too, she ain’t helping’ your game any either. --Ironman