Is Thiago Silva Done as a Title Contender?

Is Thiago Silva done as a title contender?

Over the last 3 years of competition, Silva is just 2-3 with one no contest. His last two performances have been especially concerning as Silva has lost his trademark aggressiveness. Silva’s 2009 brutal TKO finish of Keith Jardine may have been the final glimpse fans saw of Silva in his prime. Back injuries started to take a pronounced toll on Silva’s health and overall fighting style.

He went on to headline UFC 108 opposite Rashad Evans, but it was obvious to most observers that he was struggling to overcome his back issues. Silva nearly scored a come from behind victory that could have cemented Silva’s status as an elite light heavyweight, but instead he lost via unanimous decision and spent the entire 2010 year on the sidelines.

Upon Silva’s return in 2011, he still seemed to be struggling with his back injuries. Silva had hinted at dropping down to MW to lessen the strain on his back, but he never went through with the cut. Silva finally resorted to healing his body in an illegal way as he was caught using performance enhancement substances following his lopsided victory over Brandon Vera. Silva would once again return to the sidelines for another year and his win over Vera was changed to a no contest.

Silva hinted that his back had never felt better as he returned in 2012 to face rising star Alexander Gustafsson on about a month’s notice. Silva was rocked in the 1st round and could never mount the offense needed to get back into the fight. It was a more competitive fight than most remember, but the fact remained that Silva had not won a fight in over 3 years.

Silva finally got back in the win column this weekend as he battled back to submit undefeated prospect Stanislav Nedkov. Though Silva earned the win it was concerning to see Silva allow Nedkov to dictate the pace. Where was the Thiago Silva that dominated in his earlier days?

Silva was once a 13-0 rising star in the light heavyweight division. He had scored 4 straight finishes to start off his UFC career including a co-main event 1st round TKO of Houston Alexander. Silva’s title hopes were put to rest by Lyoto Machida, but he seemed destined to bounce back following his win over Jardine. Yet, that did not happen.

Fans have slowly watched Silva’s mobility and athleticism decline in recent years. Silva is now a stationary fighter that does not rely much on lateral movement or footwork. His back simply will not allow it.

Silva can still win at the UFC level, but can he inch his way back into the title picture? Looking at the fighters ranked above Silva, it is going to be a difficult challenge. Outside of Forrest Griffin, Silva probably has the least amount of raw physical skills compared to other top contenders. Silva’s only way of winning fights is to overpower his opponents with his striking. Bouts against Quinton Jackson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Glover Teixeira, Shogun Rua, and Dan Henderson could all swing his way, but he would surely be the underdog in each.

Simply put, Thiago Silva’s days as a legitimate title contender look to be over.

I think most fans are hoping for the vintage Thiago Silva that stands over his finished opponents and slowly drags his own thumb across his neck in a slicing fashion. Unfortunately, now we are just witnessing the 2012 Silva that is simply just trying to survive in the cage rather than own it.