Sherdog’s Top 10: MMA Dream Matches

10. Anderson Silva vs. Georges St. Pierre

They are two of the top pound-for-pound fighters of all-time, and the fact that their paths have not yet crossed feels like something of a lost opportunity. Silva’s reign of terror over the UFC’s middleweight division may never be equaled. “The Spider” broke into the UFC by annihilating Chris Leben in 49 seconds, leaving an immediate footprint at 185 pounds. He was awarded a title shot against Rich Franklin four months later. Silva raked Franklin’s body and face at UFC 64 on Oct. 14, 2006, taking out the former math teacher in less than three minutes. The victory touched off the longest title reign in MMA history, as “The Spider” ruled the 185-pound weight class for almost seven years. While St. Pierre has his detractors, no one can argue with his results. Following a shocking knockout loss to Matt Serra at UFC 69, St. Pierre made the necessary adjustments and never again tasted defeat. “Rush” regained the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight crown in his rematch with Serra at UFC 83 and turned away all subsequent challenges. St. Pierre’s last successful title defense came in a contentious split decision over four-time NCAA All-American Johny Hendricks at UFC 167 on Nov. 16, 2013. Shortly after, the Tristar Gym cornerstone announced he was vacating the championship to take a break from mixed martial arts. To this day, St. Pierre remains on the sidelines, even after he announced his decision to return to the cage. Perhaps there is still time for Silva-St. Pierre to be made.

Continue Reading » Number 9