
Last night’s UFC 234 main event was noticeably lacking in terms of having a hometown champ defend his belt against a dangerous challenger. However, what it did have was ultra-hot rising star Israel Adesanya trying out his next-level striking skills against the man who first introduced the world to next-level striking skills: Anderson Silva.
And thankfully, Adesanya let Silva bang, bro.
That hurt him!
We’re off and running in round one! #UFC234 pic.twitter.com/JSqNP6g4pT
— UFC (@ufc) February 10, 2019
For three rounds, Adesanya danced, flicked out strikes at improbable angles, and scored points. But for three rounds, the former champ did the same, and though he was noticeably a step behind and a bit slower, he scored here and there.
The Spider is DEFINITELY back. #UFC234 pic.twitter.com/0ssCHrAGGZ
— UFC (@ufc) February 10, 2019
It was actually quiet thrilling to see a younger version of Silva in the cage against the older version.
Anything you can do, I can do. #UFC234 pic.twitter.com/GLBAPF4uG5
— UFC (@ufc) February 10, 2019
We so rarely get to see our old heroes go out gracefully. They usually get brutally maimed and murdered by the next generation hungry for blood. So it was cool to see Silva do his thing, and come away with just some dings and bruises.
“You’re the best. Thank you for everything.” #UFC234 pic.twitter.com/OU5Bz3huA9
— UFC (@ufc) February 10, 2019