but like you said, it is a chance the UFC is willing to take to combat Affliction.

Good thoughts!

Vee,
Things are night and day compared to back then. I see Silva losing to Irvin being a much bigger deal becaues of the current spot light of Silva. I think Silva will win, but there are just too many what ifs…

I do think that this is one of the most interesting matchups for Anderson coming up to this division. I think that it will be exciting, but I’m not convinced that Silva has anything to gain by winning this fight.

If Anderson wins, he’ll have to drop down to fight Okami or Kampmann soon anyway, and while he might assert himself as a contender, he’ll definitely have much tougher competition than Irvin if he’s going to look for a title shot. (he’ll probably have to fight Machida or Thiago or Vera before the thought even starts working to the forefront of people’s minds)

The move is good for the UFC, not good for Anderson. It gives the UFC brass the opportunity to put on a fight that has some value to the division (while it has none to Anderson) and give us an exciting matchup. Unfortunately, there’s not much to gain for Anderson in the short term, except, perhaps establishing his pound-for-pound ranking even further (though he main loose that to a re-envigorated BJ Penn in the long term anyway).

Also, a slight factual error. Dan had already lost one belt when he fought Anderson. He gave that one to Rampage overseas, in case you had forgotten.

I don’t think losing will hurt the UFC, because unlike boxing they’re really trying to put the best possible competitors in front of each other. Surely many MMA fighters dodge fights for a possible easier win to pad their records but many actually face the best of the best . . . unless they’re called to face Lyoto Machida. How great will Thiago Silva vs Lyoto Machida be? One of them will no longer be undefeated! And I think Thiago can and will force action.

If he wins, Dana will continue to proclaim that he’s the greatest fighter, better than Fedor, Curtis Clontz, Mike Tyson in his prime, Klitschko, Calzaghe, and Arthur Abraham. The highlight reel going into the Okami title defense will be great, especially if he can finish Irvin.

I agree that being knocked down and knocked out are two differant things.

…but other than money and putting up Anderson Silva vs Fedor (let’s be real thats what it is anyway) why put your best fighter against someone that could really damage Silva?

Like I said other than the money part…

Everyone has a punchers chance and all will win and lose, but why make this move?

What I think many fans tend to forget is that fighters understand that they will lose some and win some. Anderson, Chuck, Wanderlei, and Nick Diaz all understand that because they’re fighters. It’s going to be difficult for the UFC or any MMA organization to build a star because there are so many ways to lose. It’s going to happen a-la flying scissors.

While Irvin may not have name value or be considered a top contender in the UFC LHW division, that does not discount his ability to beat Liddell, Jardine, Wanderlei, Rampage, Griffin or Shogun. Hey Griffin choked out Shogun, was he a contender prior to that fight? No.

Why risk putting Anderson Silva against a power KO puncher like Irvin?? Because some people would love to the outcome? Here’s a guy who may be able to stand up with Silva, what a great prospect! If Silva suffers a defeat, then he loses his first UFC fight! Would you rather have the champion fight a safe fight against an obviously safe non-contender in the 205 division. Silva trains with 205′ers, heavyweights and used to train with Chute Boxe’s best in Wanderlei Silva.

The KO possibility, two Muay Thai specialist, Anderson Silva’s first foray into the LH division are reasons why this fight will be a compelling and exciting fight. Joe Silva deserves much credit!! Also do not forget FOUR LHW turned this fight down, but their names were not mentioned. Here’s another interesting question, will Silva actually see the end of the 3rd round? Irvin doesn’t think so.

It would be really cool to see Silva take the fight to the floor and sub Irvin, just to mix it up and confuse Irvin for an easy submission victory.

Are you serious? This is by no way a lose lose situation…If he gets beat, so what. No big deal! Again your views seemed to be a bit skewed.