Simply put, Silva is the best pound for pound striker in the game today. In fact, an argument can be made that he’s the best striker in MMA history.

First, there’s those laser- like hands of his. In fact, his punches seem akin to a sniper. He hits hard, he hits fast, and he’s accurate. And when Anderson Silva punches you, it’s oftentimes already over. Then there’s the clinch work, a place where no one is better.

Said another way, Anderson Silva could run a clinic on the Muay Thai clinch. The elbows and knees he throws inside of it are simply vicious ( just ask Rich Franklin ).

Heck, the guy can even hurt with his feet from a distance and has awesome reach. In sum, there are absolutely no stand up weaknesses in his game.

What’s more, Silva is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In other words, even if you get him to the ground—as Travis Lutter found out—that doesn’t mean you win.

Speaking of getting him to the ground, if Silva does have a weakness it can be found in his takedown defense. He’s good there, but not great.

Silva’s 20-4 overall MMA record with 12 (T)KO’s and three submission victories would seem to say it all.

Dan Henderson once held the PRIDE 185 and 205 pound belts at the same time. Further, he’s proven worthy of standing and banging with the likes of Wanderlei Silva, whom he knocked out the last time the two met up. In fact, Hendo has knocked out 10 fighters on his way to a 22-6 overall MMA record.

Even though Henderson lost to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship recently, it would seem important to note the following things regarding him:

1. He fought well.

2. Jackson is the 205 pound champion.

In other words, Dan Henderson has proven worthy against the best that the 205 pound division has to offer. So how will he do against 185 pounders?

Good question. Here’s what we do know. Dan Henderson has a lot of stand up power and hand speed. He’s also good on his feet technically. Finally, he’s absolutely as tough as nails. In other words, he’s been in there with some big bangers and has never succumbed to a knockout.

Which just so happens to be Anderson Silva’s specialty.

Further, Henderson has excellent submission defense in that he’s only been submitted twice in his career ( by the Nogueiras ). And the best part?

He’s a former Olympic wrestler. In other words, when it comes to takedowns, takedown defense, and ground control, this guy is in an elite class.

Dan Henderson vs. Anderson Silva : UFC 82 Prediction

Dan Henderson has a bad habit. Said another way, he will sometimes tend to stand and bang when he should really be looking for a takedown.

When it comes to fighting Anderson Silva, he should definitely take the fight to the ground. If he doesn’t look to do this early and often, he will not win the fight.

But Henderson would seem to have what it takes to compete here. First, he has enough power and technical acumen on his feet to make Silva honest. Second, he definitely has the ability to take the fight to the ground, control it there, and pull out a ground and pound victory. Finally, he has excellent submission defense and a jaw that might—might being the keyword—allow him to make one or two mistakes.

If Henderson decides to stand and trade with Silva, he’ll lose. Further, it’s possible that he’ll lose anyway as no jaw would seem to be able to stand up to the power that Silva has with any consistency. But you’ve got to think that Dan Henderson has the stuff to do this. In fact, if he doesn’t than it’s hard to believe that anyone does.

When Travis Lutter took Silva down, he was unable to control him with consistency. Expect the opposite and here and an upset.

Dan Henderson via decision.

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