angryblackman:

Epic Fights Collection #3 || Anderson Silva versus Chris Leben || UFC Ultimate Fight Night 5

After he disposed of Tony Fryklund with a slick back elbow, former PRIDE fighter Anderson Silva signed a deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. And his first fight? Well, he would have to take on Ultimate Fighter alumni Chris ‘The Crippler’ Leben, a fighter who had attained a 5-0 record in the UFC after his stint in the first season of the Ultimate Fighter.

On June 28th of 2006, fans inside the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino witnessed the beginning of a new era. In a fight which never saw the minute mark, Anderson Silva absolutely obliterated Chris Leben, putting him down with a knee from the clinch. The thing that stands out most from this fight is the fact that Silva’s striking accuracy was 100%. He landed EVERY shot that he threw in the fight.

Of course, Silva went on to beat Rich Franklin and gain the UFC Middleweight title, but this fight with Chris Leben was the initial showcase of Silva’s skills to the UFC fans. 

Also, enjoy Josh Koscheck’s reaction to the knockout …