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[Sakara=Excitement]

Wanderlei: Victory Over Le

The stakes were high for Wanderlei Silva on Saturday night, and “The Axe Murder” came through in vintage fashion, knocking out Cung Le in the UFC 139 co-main event.

Following a brutal knockout loss to Chris Leben in July, some fans and pundits questioned how much longer Silva should continue to compete. The man who reigned supreme for five years atop the Pride Fighting Championships 205-pound stable, Silva had lost four of his six UFC appearances, suffering bouts of unconsiousness courtesy of Leben and former titleholder Quinton Jackson.

To that end, it appeared Silva entered the Octagon with some trepidation at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif., circling away cautiously for much of the opening stanza. Traditionally known for his aggressive style and overwhelming striking attack, the Brazilian took a more measured approach against Le. His knockout loss to Leben lasting just 27 seconds, Silva seemed intent on avoiding any costly mistakes early.

“I know this sport has no more space for falls,” Silva said at the UFC 139 post-fight press conference. “We are fighting in the best event in world and these are the best [fighters] in the world. I know the responsibility of being here. There is only space for the best guys in the world.”

Recovered from a knockdown sustained in the first frame, Silva began round two in much the same fashion as the opening stanza, keeping his distance and absorbing a number of kicks from the former Strikeforce middleweight king.

“[Le] has heavy legs,” Silva told UFC.com following his win. “[He throws] tough kicks and they hurt. [They were] strong kicks.”

As the round progressed, however, Silva found his range and stepped inside to deliver some of his patented hooks to Le’s head. Pressing his foe against the cage, Silva landed a beautiful high kick and grabbed a front headlock when Le tried to clinch.

From his prone position, Le ate a series of knees while doing his best to escape. Once again upright, Le found himself in the position that helped build Silva’s legend: the Thai plum. The Brazilian continued his attack, drilling Le with an elbow over the top before badly breaking his nose with a knee to the face.

“My coach told me to attack more in the second round. That was the plan,” Silva explained. “I hit him hard with the knee and I felt he was close to the finish.”

Following the shot, a stunned Le fell to the floor before gamely digging for a single-leg takedown. However, it was not to be, as Silva met him with a solid sprawl and began pounding away with hammerfists until referee Dan Stell waved off the contest at 4:49 of round two.

Aware of the bout’s importance and the potential effect of a defeat upon his career, Silva expressed his jubilation after scoring his first Octagon finish since 2008.

“It’s wonderful [to win]. I can’t talk after my last fight [against Leben] It’s embarrassing that I lost like that,” said Silva. “But in this job, every weekend, [the UFC] makes one event better than the [last]. It was a tough moment for me [in my career], but this victory came at the right moment. This was a great moment in my life.”

[Mr. Cornute]

Whew, nice to see Wandy get a win.

[Ramma]

In Wandy fashion too. That was the closest to the PRIDE Wanderlei we are ever going to see again. He should retire on that very high note.

It is a shame the stoppage was garbage. I didn't see Cung recovering, but still, it was complete trash. Either way, I'm glad Wandy won with some trade mark knees. Haven't seen those in years.

[KillahKimbo]

It was a bad stoppage but after seeing a pic of Cungs nose I think it would've been stopped anyway before Round 3.

[disposableassassin]

i thought the stoppage was justified cungs hands were releasing wandys leg and his fingerstips were starting to point towards the mat. he was pretty much out IMO.

[MIZJUDOZOU]

I thought it was a bad stoppage, but that nose was gnarly. I was jumping off my seat when Wandy was taking it to him. I told my friends in 2005 wandy would have been drinking from le's skull, but didn't think he had the savage in him anymore, and then it came out. War Wandy! I know you won't, but I wish you would retire on that note!

[sonofsteven]

Originally Posted by disposableassassin

i thought the stoppage was justified cungs hands were releasing wandys leg and his fingerstips were starting to point towards the mat. he was pretty much out IMO.

I have to agree . The ref.s have to keep an eye out for the little subtleties indicating unconciousness. Fedor/Hendo is a good example . Out VERY briefly but a justified stoppage nevertheless.