If there was any doubt that Anderson Silva is the best mixed martial artist in the world, he likely erased them tonight with his performance at UFC 148. After calmly taking the best that top challenger and rival Chael Sonnen had to offer, Silva waited for the precise moment to strike, and when he did, the result was swift and devastating. Although Sonnen was able to get the takedown early in the first round, he was never able to get any effective work done as Silva kept him tied up and avoided any serious damage. Sonnen was hoping to repeat the success he had in the first fight, but this time, Silva had an answer, exhibiting much better takedown defense in the second round. Perhaps frustrated, Sonnen would attempt an ill-advised spinning backfist, which Silva easily ducked under to avoid. That move would prove to be the beginning of a quick end to years of trash talk from Sonnen. Relive all the action in FightHype's round-by-round result.

ANDERSON SILVA VS. CHAEL SONNEN

ROUND 1
Both men come out fast. Silva lands a left, but Sonnen gets the quick takedown. Silva controlling Sonnen and avoiding shots, but Sonnen is relentless as backs him up to the cage. Sonnen in half guard right now. Silva holding on to him. Not much work getting done right now. The crowd chanting, "USA! USA! USA!" Silva continues to tie him up. Sonnen just misses with a big elbow. Now Sonnen rains down a few good shots. Silva continues to hold on. Sonnen still in half guard. Now Sonnen gets teh full mount. Silva keeping him tied up though. Not much work getting done. Round to Sonnen.

Silva 9 Sonnen 10

ROUND 2
Sonnen charges forward again and backs Silva up to the cage. Silva grabs a hold of a leg. They trade knees. Sonnen drops down looking for a takedown, but Silva defends. They break. Sonnen walks him down and shoots in for another takedown, but Silva defends. Sonnen misses with a spinning backfirst and falls to the ground. Silva lands a devastating knee to the body while Sonnen is down. Now an elbow to the body followed by a few more shots. Sonnen is up, but Silva has him up against the cage and lands a big right. Sonnen crumples. Silva rains down more shots as Sonnen is on the ground. That's it. It's over as the ref calls a halt to the action at 1:55 of round 2.

THE WINNER BY WAY OF TKO AT 1:55 OF ROUND 2...ANDERSON SILVA

OTHER RESULTS:

  • Forrest Griffin def. Tito Ortiz via Unanimous Decision
  • Cung Le def. Patrick Cote via Unanimous Decision
  • Demian Maia def. Dong Hyun Kim via TKO in Round 1
  • Chad Mendes def. Cody McKenzie via TKO in Round 1
  • Mike Easton def. Ivan Menjivar via Unanimous Decision
  • Melvin Guillard def. Fabricio Camoes via Unanimous Decision
  • Habib Nurmagomedov def. Gleison Tibau via Unanimous Decision
  • Constantinos Philippou def. Riki Fukuda via Unanimous Decision
  • Shane Roller def. John Alessio via Unanimous Decision
  • Rafaello Oliveira def. Yoislandy Izquierdo via Unanimous Decision