Sports Talk: Silva Takes Henderson, Big Ben Gets Paid

Wednesday - March 5, 2008
By: Mike Monson

MMA

UFC 82: Anderson Silva retained his middleweight title on Saturday (March 1) against Dan Henderson in what seemed like it was going to be a long battle between two champs. After feeling each other out for half of the first round, the two starting to engage each other with Silva throwing combos and Henderson responding with heavy leather. It led to a take down by Henderson, when he landed through Silva's half guard, which resulted in Henderson landing a few hammer fists to the side of Silva's head. In the second round, both fighters opened up a bit more with both fighters throwing more strikes. Henderson clinched with Silva against the cage, then he attempted the takedown, but Silva countered it, got off the cage and managed to clinch and deliver two knees that dazed Henderson. The knees caused Henderson to go for a desperation takedown. Silva took advantage of the situation and landed more strikes through Henderson's halg guard. Henderson did all he could to improve his position, but all it led to was Silva taking Henderson's back and sinking in the rear naked choke.

Silva has destroyed everyone he has fought in UFC. The only other person left for Silva to beat is Yushin Okami, who KO'd Evan Tanner earlier that same night. Silva and Okami fought in January 2006, in the promotion Rumble on the Rock. The fight ended in 1.20 of the first round by disqualification when Silva gave an illegal kick to Okami's head. In the short time the fight did last, however, Silva looked like the stronger fighter. There are also rumors of a few fighters - from 185 to 205 -- who wanted to face him. But, whoever is next for Silva, I wish you luck in finding training partners that can have a style like his.

Also during UFC 84, Marc "The Hammer" Coleman was the 5th fighter to be inducted in to the UFC Hall Of Fame. He won two UFC tournaments and was the first UFC heavyweight champ. He also brought the ground and pound style to MMA.

EliteXC: The home of Kimbo Slice has signed a deal with CBS to air four live events a year on its network stations.

NFL

Steelers: Big Ben Roethlisberger is on his way to the bank (and so is the government). Rothlisberger, 26, is one of the highest paid players in the NFL now. He singed an 8-year, $102 million contract extension with $36 million guaranteed recently. "This is about being a Pittsburgh Steeler for as long as I can be. I love Pittsburgh," Roethlisberger said. He added that he "wanted to be like the Dan Marinos, like the John Elways, guys who played with one team their whole career." I hope this makes his rookie card go up!

Patriots: The team has re-signed Randy Moss to a 3-year $27 million deal.

NBA

Lakers: Kobe showed why he should be the MVP on Sunday (March 2), when he dropped 52 against the Mavs in a 108-104 overtime victory during their home game. A lot was learned about the Lakers in this game. One was that they showed they have the ability to keep cool under pressure.

Knicks: Isaiah Thomas banned Stephon Marbury from Madison Square Garden during Knick home games recently, but the ban has been lifted since. Can the Knicks just get along?

Suns: The Shaq trade is turning out to be a bust. The Suns lost to the 76ers on Saturday.

Rockets: Yao is recovering from a successful surgery that left screws in his left foot. "I am very relieved that everything went well with my surgery," Yao said. "I am looking forward to getting better and starting my physical rehab as soon as the doctors say I can." The Rockets have won 15 straight, 10 of those wins were home games and 9 of the wins were against losing teams.

Sonics: The people of Oklahoma City got to vote on a new way to get taxed by there local government on Tuesday when they voted on $121 million plan aimed at luring the NBA team. Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett's proposal would spend $97 million to upgrade the Ford Center and another $24.6 million to build an NBA practice facility in hopes of completing the city's courtship of the Seattle Supersonics. I'm sure the people of Oklahoma City are thrilled about the possibility of being TAXED for some crooks that are going to be hanging out in the executive suite, while they pick up the bill.

Well that's it for now. I'll be back in a couple of days with some more news. If there is a team, sport or topic you want me to touch on post a comment, and I will work it in.

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