UFC: Macdonald [vs] Silva

Dana White - Brandon Macdonald versus Anderson Silva. Can you get much bigger than that? Two amazing champions, fighting each other. This might be the biggest fight that the UFC has ever put on



(Scene cuts to Brandon and Anderson at the pre fight press conference. Anderson has a translator beside him)

Reporter - Brandon, what does this fight mean to you?

Brandon - What does it mean? Is that a serious question? This fight means everything to me. It's a title defense, and do you think I really want to lose my belt? Absolutely not. I am the best light heavyweight that there is, and so this fight means everything to me. Anderson is a great fighter, he has dominated at the middleweight level, but up here, its a whole different ballgame. And I'm unlike anyone he has ever fought before. I'm going to bring it all, and then some.

Reporter - Anderson, why did you decide to move up to light-heavyweight, and is this going to be a permanent change for you?

Translator - Anderson, por que você decidiu mudar para meio-pesado, e é isto que vai ser uma mudança permanente para você?

Anderson - Decidi subir porque não havia tanta conversa sobre quem era o melhor. Foi Brandon Macdonald, ou foi Anderson Silva? Todo mundo estava fazendo suas próprias comparações sobre quem era melhor, e assim, quando Dana se aproximou de nós sobre isso, concordei em subir. E quanto a um movimento permanente, vou decidir após o jogo acabou.

Translator - I decided to move up because there was so much talk about who was the best. Was it Brandon Macdonald, or was it Anderson Silva? Everyone was making their own comparisons as to who was better, and so when Dana approached us about it, I agreed to move up. And as for a permanent move, I will decide after the match is over.

Reporter - Brandon, your last four fights have ended before the scheduled end. Are you looking to end this fight the same way?

Brandon - Well, of course I'm looking to. I'd be stupid not to. I'm sure Anderson will be doing the same thing. Judges aren't always right, so why risk letting them decide the fight? I'm going to go out there, execute my gameplan to the best of my abilities, and look for a chance to tap or knock him out. He'll come out doing the same thing. I want to win decisively, I don't want any controversy. So yes, I am looking to finish my fight early.

Reporter - Anderson, you're a champion middleweight fighter. Do you think these extra pounds will affect your abilities?

Translator - Anderson, você é um lutador campeão dos médios. Você acha que esses quilos extras vai afetar suas habilidades?

Anderson - De certa forma, eu acho que eles vão me afetar um pouco. Eu não estou fazendo nenhuma desculpa, e se eu perder, será porque Brandon era melhor do que eu. Mas obviamente eu não vou ser tão rápido quanto eu estou no peso médio, mas tenho treinado bem, e eu acredito que estou pronto.

Translator - In a way, I think they will affect me a bit. I'm not making any excuses, and if I lose, it will be because Brandon was better than me. But obviously I won't be as quick as I am at middleweight, but I have trained well, and I believe that I am ready.

Reporter - Brandon, there's been a lot of talk from Rashad Evans after your last fight, which you won. Any comments on that?

Brandon - Look, Rashad is my friend, my teammate. He's been talking a lot of trash about me to the media, about how I shouldn't have won that fight, but the fact is, he tapped out. I did exactly what I had set out to do, and did it well. Most people had me winning the fight anyways. Rashad can talk all he wants, but I beat him fair and square, and he's going to have to wait before he gets that title shot that he wants. And when he does, I'll beat him again.

Reporter - Anderson, do you really think you have a shot at beating Brandon? He's the best light heavyweight in the world, and you are fighting in your first fight at this weight.

Translator - Anderson, você realmente acha que você tem a chance de bater Brandon? Ele é o melhor meio-pesado do mundo, e você está lutando em sua primeira luta neste peso.

Anderson - É claro que eu acho que tenho uma chance. Se eu não acho isso, então eu não estaria lutando. Eu só luta em lutas que eu sei que posso vencer. Brandon é bom, você está certo, ele é o melhor meio-pesado do mundo. Mas eu sou o melhor dos médios do mundo. Brandon nunca teve de lutar com alguém com a minha velocidade, minha habilidade impressionante, o meu jiu jitsu. Ele está em uma briga, e ele sabe disso. E eu sei que posso vencê-lo.

Translator - Of course I think I have a chance. If I didn't think that, then I wouldn't be fighting. I only fight in fights that I know that I can win. Brandon is good, you're right, he's the best light heavyweight in the world. But I am the best middleweight in the world. Brandon has never had to fight someone with my speed, my striking abilities, my jiu jitsu. He's in for a fight, and he knows it. And I know that I can beat him.

Reporter - Brandon, what do you think? Does Anderson pose a challenge for you, or is he just another name to knock off the wall?

Brandon - Anderson poses a huge challenge for me. He's right, I have never fought someone as good as he is. I may have fought someone as fast as he is, or as good a striker as he is, but not someone who is all of that combined. Anderson is one of the most complete fighters in the UFC, and to fight him, its an honour. I have the utmost respect for Anderson, and I look forward to fighting him, in what could be the biggest fight in UFC history. But when all of that is said and done, it's going to be me who has his arm raised in victory. Make no mistake about it.

(Dana White steps up to the podium)

Dana - Alright folks, thats all the time we have for these two, we look forward to seeing you soon

(Scene cuts to a montage of clips and shots of Brandon and Anderson fighting and talking. Anderson is dubbed over with an English voice)

Joe Rogan - The battle of the beasts! That's what this is. The two greatest fighters of our time, going head to head for the title. This is what the UFC is all about, and it doesn't get any bigger than this!

(Camera shows clips of Brandon training)

Brandon - Anderson Silva is good. But I'm better. My ground game, my takedowns, my submissions, they are second to none. Anderson may have an advantage standing and striking, but I don't intend to stay up there for very long. I'm going to take him down early, and take him down often. I'll wear him out, and then go for a submission. And if that doesn't work, I'll force the ref to stop it.

(Cut to clip of Anderson's training camp)

Anderson: "Talking about beating me is easy, but try to actually do it. Brandon is a great fighter, but I am truly better. I am faster, more accurate, more precise. He'll probably go for takedowns, I'll just kick him on his way in. He can't take me down if he's being punched in the face. Believe me when I say, I am going to be the middleweight and light heavyweight champion at the same time.

(Cut to Dana White sitting in a chair)

Dana - This fight has all of the pre-fight hype that the fans wanted. This was a fight that we had spent months trying to get ready. And now it's finally here. These guys are going to tear each other apart. Just when you think they won't be able to go any more, they'll keep going. They are two phenomenal athletes, and I'm excited to tell you the truth. I don't think I have ever been this excited for an upcoming fight.

Anderson: "Brandon is a great guy. I have a lot of respect for him. He has done some incredible things, not only in the fighting world, but in his life. He went from football player, to homeless, to being undefeated in the UFC. He's a nice guy, and I have no problems with him. But that doesn't mean I will go easy on him. I would love to be the first man to beat Brandon Macdonald.

Brandon: "Yeah I have a lot of respect for Anderson. Who doesn't? The guy is amazing. He's one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. Some of things he has done will never be done again with the same kind of precision and skill. But he's still only a man. He can be beaten. And I intend to do that. Nobody has beaten me, and I can't see that changing any time soon.

Joe Rogan - Two men, with all the respect in the world for each other, each vying to be the best. They both consider themselves to be unbeatable, but one of them will fall in their fight. Will it be The Spider, or the Shockwave? Tune in to UFC: Macdonald vs Silva. It's so great, it doesn't even get a number!

(Scene cuts to before the fight has begun, before either fighters have been introduced)

Joe - Mike, can you feel it? The excitement in this building is higher than I have ever felt in my life. I don't think there has ever been a match quite like this.

Mike - I believe you're right Joe. This sold out Palms Casino Resort is in for one of the greatest nights in UFC history.

Joe - Brandon Macdonald. Anderson Silva. Two of the best, if not the two best, going one on one

[b]Mike - Joe, how do you see this one playing out?

Joe - Mike, I'll be honest, I have no idea. Here you have Brandon Macdonald. His strength is the ground game. But Anderson Silva is very strong on the ground. Silva's strong point is his striking, but Macdonald also has amazing striking. You would think that Brandon would go for a takedown early, while Anderson would try to keep it standing, but I just can't make a pick based on anything. But I can guarantee this. These two will put on a battle for the ages.

(No Sunshine by DMX is blasted over the loudspeakers. Anderson Silva comes walking through the tunnel, showered with a deafening roar from the crowd. He walks towards the octagon, a very focused look on his face. He makes it to the cutman, and starts to take off his shoes, socks, shirt, and sweatpants. He gets vaseline applied to his face, and is checked to make sure he has nothing on his body)

Mike - Did you hear that reaction? If it was that huge, imagine what it will be like for Brandon Macdonald, who is generally considered one of the biggest fan-favourite fighters in the UFC

Joe - Yeah Mike, I'm going to cover my ears. I don't want to lose my hearing from the cheering.

Mike - Anderson Silva. He's a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and he may be the most accurate striker in the entire UFC.

Joe - Yeah Mike, he is a massive star. Anything he does works, and he can do it all. He has tons of experience fighting, he has beaten some of the greats, and he looks to add another name to the list tonight, in Brandon Macdonald.

(Anderson runs into the octagon and runs a lap around, holding his arm to the sky. The fans cheer loudly as he goes to his corner to talk to his coaches and trainers.)

Joe - I can't remember the last time my heart raced so fast in anticipation for a fight. This is incredible.

(The Joker and the Thief begins to play on the loudspeaker. The opening guitar and drum part plays, but Brandon doesn't enter.)

Mike - Looks like the champ is building up some suspense.

Joe - We've seen him do this before, he'll come out when it cuts right to the guitar, and it's going to be a giant cheer

(The song cuts to just guitar, and Brandon rushes out, hopping up and down, holding his arms high in the sky. The sound in the arena is deafening. He makes his way down to the cutman, who checks him out, before Brandon enters the octagon. He runs a lap around the ring, playing to the crowd)

Mike - There he is! The man of the hour, the champion, Brandon Macdonald!

Joe - He looks amped up Mike, I don't think I've ever seen him look so pumped and ready for a fight.

Mike - He needs to be ready, that's for sure.

Joe - Wow, did you ever think we'd see this. Brandon Macdonald is highly trained in more things that I can even count. And it still might not be enough tonight. This is going to be one hell of a fight.

Mike - Our tale of the tape, for this, our main event, brought to you by the only motorcycles worthy of being in the octagon, Harley Davidson. The champion, is twenty six, the challenger, thirty three. Everything else of these two fighters is virtually identical. With the official introductions, here, is Bruce Buffer.

Buffer - Ladies and gentlemen, two UFC light heavyweight warriors have now entered the worlds ultimate proving ground for fighters, but tonight, only one will leave the champion...as this is! The Maaaaaiiiinnn Evveennnnt...of..the Evening! Presented by Tequila Casadores, sactioned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, chairman Pat Lundvall, members Francisco Aguiler, Raymond Avansino, Bill D. Brady, and T.J Day. Our three judges scoring the bout from ringside are Dan Steil, Nelson Hamilton, and Cecil Peoples. And when the action begins, our referee in charge of the octagon, is Herb Dean. This fight is sponsored by Bud Light, Here We Go! Affliction, Live fast, at Affliction clothing.com, and Tequila Casadores, the official spirit sponsor of the UFC. And now, the moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. Live, from the sold out Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii....It's....TIIIIIIMMMMEEEE!
Five rounds! For the Undisputed UFC Light - Heavyweight Championship of the World! Introducing first...FIGHTING out of the Blue Corner! This man is a muay-thai kickboxer, and jiu jitsu fighter, holding a professional record of twenty one wins, four losses. Standing six feet, two inches tall, weighing two hundred five pounds. Fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil. Presenting, the reigning UFC Undisputed Middleweight Champion of the World..ANDERSON......THE SPIDER.....SILVA!
Introducing next, FIGHTING out of the Red Corner. This man is a gaidojutsu, and kyokushin fighter, holding a professional record of fourteen wins, zero losses. He stands six feet, two inches tall, and weighed in at two hundred five pounds. Fighting out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Presenting, the Reigning! Defending! UFC Light - Heavyweight Champion, of the World. BRANDON...THE SHOCKWAVE....MACDONALD!!

Herb Dean motions for the two fighters to approach the centre

Herb - Alright gentlemen. We've gone over the instructions backstage. Defend yourself at all times. Follow my commands. We're gonna have ourselves a clean fight. Touch gloves, let's make this official.

Mike - Anderson Silva! Brandon Macdonald! UFC Light - Heavyweight Title on the line!

Herb - Fighters ready? You ready? Lets fight!

]Voice: "So we're going to be talking to you in between each round of the fight, getting your thoughts on what happened, answering our questions, and such. Okay?"
Brandon: "That sounds great."
Voice: "Alright. Let's get started then"]

Mike- And here we go! Tonights clock brought to you by Tropic Thunder. See Robert Downey Jr, Jack Black, Ben Stiller, and others in this hilarious war-related comedy!

Brandon and Anderson move forward. Anderson holds out his glove, and Brandon knocks it with his fist

Mike - Both men have a lot of respect for each other Joe

Joe - That they do Mike. This is going to be one epic encounter.

Anderson takes the centre of the octagon. Both men are throwing small feeler punches. Brandon throws a leg kick, but Anderson checks it

Mike - Both men like to throw feelers to open up their fights. They try to figure out what their opponent is going to do.

Anderson moves in for a quick combo, but Brandon blocks the punches and ties him up in the clinch. Brandon throws a right knee up towards Anderson, but it is blocked. Brandon pushes Anderson up against the cage.

Mike - Nice blocks there by Macdonald, and then another good block by Silva

Joe - You have to wonder if any fighter is going to land a shot flush

Brandon leans on Anderson, and throws two solid knee's to the inside of Anderson's legs. Anderson moves his arms underneath Brandon's, and spins him around.

Mike - A nice reversal by Silva. He's got Macdonald pressed up against the cage now

Joe - Yeah Mike, having to support weight like that can really tire a fighter out in a hurry.

Anderson throws a knee into Brandon's thigh. Brandon gets his arms underneath Anderson's, and swings his leg behind Anderson's leg. Brandon pushes forward, tripping Anderson and landing on top of him.

Mike - Big takedown there by Macdonald, he's got Anderson Silva on his back.

Joe - But Silva has guard, he's very dangerous on the ground

Anderson locks his feet around Brandon, holding him in guard. Brandon punches Anderson in the face three times. Brandon pushes himself up, trying to pass Anderson's guard. Anderson pulls him back down. Brandon throws a punch to the body. Brandon throws another, and then one to Anderson's face.

Mike - Macdonald is just feeding Silva punches

Joe - Yeah, Anderson needs to do something here, he can't just sit in guard

Brandon pushes up, and pushes hard against Anderson's legs. Brandon gets one foot free, and twists the other one out of Anderson's grasp as well. Brandon now has Anderson in side control. Anderson bucks his hips, but Brandon keeps him down underneath him. Brandon throws a knee to Anderson's side.

Mike - Beautiful pass by Macdonald, he's into side control now.

Joe - He just threw a beautiful knee to the side of Anderson Silva, that looked painful

Anderson bucks his hips again, and Brandon holds him down. Brandon fakes a transition to north-south, and swings his leg over Anderson, fully mounting him. Brandon locks his leg hooks on Anderson, and lies flat across him. Anderson throws body strikes from the bottom.

Joe - Full mount! Brandon has Silva fully-mounted

Mike - Let's see if he goes for a submission here. Remember, Anderson has a great submission defense.

Brandon quickly sits up, and throws a big hammer-fist, that connects hard. Anderson covers his face, and Brandon throws body strikes. Anderson throws up a hand to try and block, and Brandon wraps it up. Brandon kicks his leg out, and swings it around.

Mike - Huge hammer-fists by Brandon Macdonald!

Joe - Look out, he's going for the armbar

Brandon shifts his weight, still holding Anderson's arm. Brandon falls back, trying to straighten out Anderson's arm. Anderson rolls with him and throws Brandon off of him, and pulls his arm out. Anderson stands up and moves towards Brandon, but the horn sounds and the ref sends him back to his corner.

Mike - Great defence by Silva. He saw Macdonald trying to lock up the armbar, and he just threw himself out of it

Joe - Yeah, really great work by Anderson Silva right there, and to both fighters in this round.

Mike - I think Macdonald took that round, what about you?

Joe - Oh, absolutely. He had the upper hand the whole time. It was small, but it was still bigger than Anderson Silva's.

[Voice: "How did you feel after this round? The general consensus was that you had won it"
Brandon: "I felt really good about that round. I had executed my game plan to perfection, I did exactly what I wanted to, I didn't take many shots. I was a little upset with myself for not locking in that armbar at the end, but with the time running out, I don't think it would have happened anyways"
Voice: "Did it surprise you that you seemed to be able to do whatever you wanted to Anderson, with seemingly no trouble?"
Brandon: "You know, it sort of did. Anderson was the middleweight champion, he was doing so well in the UFC, and he seemed to come out flat-footed against me. I don't know if that was because he underestimated me, or because he wasn't completely used to fighting at 205. But whatever the reason, it surprised me that he seemed like most of the others that I have fought.]

Herb Dean - Are you ready? Ready? Fight!

Mike - Round two, just about to start

Brandon and Anderson shuffle together and touch gloves. Brandon throw out some feeler punches. Anderson throws a big leg kick, which connects.

Mike - Silva connects with a huge leg kick, that's gotta sting

Brandon shuffles back, and Anderson charges, throwing punches. Brandon ducks the punches, and Anderson throws a knee, that connects hard

Joe - Oh! He rocked him!

Mike - Silva hits a huge knee to Macdonalds head! He doesn't know where he's at.

Brandon stumbles back, and Anderson charges, throwing punches to Brandon's head. Brandon blocks the punches, and grabs Anderson, letting him pin him against the cage

Mike - Silva may have taken a bit too long, as Brandon recovers and wraps him up

Joe - Yeah Mike, and that's just Brandon Macdonalds experience coming in to play. He takes a huge knee, but manages to regain his sense's enough to grab Silva.

Anderson throws a knee into Brandon's thigh. Anderson throws another knee. Brandon tries to move his arms underneath Anderson's. Anderson throws another knee, but Brandon checks it.

Mike - Macdonald checks that last knee, but he took two vicious ones before.

Joe - And those will build up as the fight goes on. If Silva can keep those knees up, Macdonald won't be as quick, which is one of his strengths

Brandon holds on to Anderson, and tries to spin Anderson around to the ground. Anderson throws Brandon off of him, and the two circle each other again.

Mike - Nice takedown defence by Silva, and now they circle up again.

Joe - Really good work by Anderson Silva, blocking that takedown.

Brandon throws a high head kick, and Anderson moves back and dodges it. Anderson moves in and throws a three punch combo. Brandon ducks underneath the punches, and shoots for a double leg takedown.

Mike - Silva throws a nice combo, he seems to be getting the better of Macdonald this round.

Joe - He really does Mike, but watch out for Macdonalds takedown attempt.

Anderson sprawls, and blocks the takedown. They both stand back up again. Anderson throws a nice three punch combo that lands on Brandon. Brandon goes on the defensive, holding his hands up to block Anderson's assault.

Mike - Anderson Silvs is really taking it to Brandon Macdonald!

Joe - He wants to prove that he is the best fighter in the world. What better way than to beat the best?

Brandon shoots for a single leg, but Anderson blocks the takedown attempt. They stand up, and Anderson throws a leg kick. Brandon shifts his head back, dodging the kick. Brandon throws a leg kick, which lands hard.

Mike - Great takedown block by Silva, but Macdonald finally gets a little bit of offense in with that leg kick.

Joe - And he's going to need a lot more of those if he wants to have any chance of winning

Brandon moves forward and ties up Anderson. Brandon throws a knee to the head, but Anderson has his hands in the way. Brandon throws another, but again Anderson gets his hands in the way.

Mike - Macdonald's throwing big knees from the clinch, but Silva is getting his hands there every time.

Joe - Yeah, and it just seems like Anderson Silva is one step ahead of Brandon Macdonald this round.

Brandon pushes Anderson up against the cage. Brandon throws three knees to the inside of Anderson's legs. Anderson spins around, and now has Brandon up against the cage.

Mike - Every time Macdonald tries to mount an offense, Silva manages to counter it and mount an offense of his own.

Joe - Brandon Macdonald really needs to adjust his gameplan for the next round, he is just getting completely schooled by Anderson Silva

Anderson throws two knees to the inside of Brandon's legs. Brandon tries to push forward. Anderson uses Brandon's momentum to Judo toss him to the ground. Anderson goes for top position, but Brandon pulls him in guard.

Mike - Silva with the big judo toss, taking Macdonald right down to the ground.

Joe - Macdonald pulls guard, but this round will end right here

Anderson tries to pass, but the horn sounds and the round is over.

Mike - Clearly that round went to Silva, he was all over Brandon Macdonald that round.

Joe - Yeah Mike, it seemed like everything that Macdonald tried to do, Silva saw coming. Great second round for Anderson Silva after a somewhat weak first.

[Voice: "So in that round, Anderson definitely stepped his game up"
Brandon: "In a big way. I'm not going to make excuses, but he caught me off guard. After what was a relatively easy first round for me, I wasn't expecting such a great second round from him. I mean, I knew that he was going to do better, but that was just an incredible round for Anderson, and it really set the real tone for the rest of the fight.
Voice: "Were you at all worried that he might have stepped up to a level that you might not be able to reach?"
Brandon: "No. He had stepped it up sure, but I knew that I could be better. There were times in the second round where I could have turned it around, but I made mental errors, and didn't capitalize on the few chances that I had. But I wouldn't say that I was nervous about the rest of the fight"]

Herb Dean - Are you ready? Ready? Okay fight!

Both fighters touch gloves in the centre of the octagon. Brandon immediately throws a head kick, which Anderson blocks.

Mike - A big head kick attempt by Macdonald, he's coming out strong in this middle round

Joe - That just shows how explosive he actually is, he touches gloves, backs off, and immediately throws a head kick. No fear in this man

Anderson throws a leg kick, and is met with a counter jab by Brandon. Anderson stumbles back, and pulls guard as Brandon tries to charge him.

Mike - Macdonald knocks Silva down with that counter jab, but he is pulled right into Silva's guard

Joe - A great use of all his skills, he realizes Brandon is going to try and capitalize on that shot, so he pulls him into his guard to refocus.

Brandon pushes down on Anderson's stomach, and drills his elbows into Anderson's thighs, trying to break his guard. Anderson doesn't let go, and throws a punch that lands on Brandon's jaw. Brandon leans down on top of Anderson.

Mike - That was a huge shot from the bottom by Anderson Silva

Joe - Wow, that was a heavy punch from the bottom right there. Macdonald clearly felt that one.

Anderson moves his arm underneath Brandon's jaw. Brandon holds his jaw firm to his chest, not allowing Anderson to sink in under his chin.

Mike - Silva is moving his arms around, trying to lock something in on Macdonald

Joe - It looks like he is going for a choke from the guard

Anderson quickly switches arms, and tries the other arm. Brandon holds his chin down firm. Anderson falls back, and throws another punch, landing it in Brandon's side. Brandon fights to break out of Anderson's guard, but is unsuccessful.

Mike - That was good submission defense by Macdonald, but he ate a huge shot from Silva in the side

Joe - And he just can't break out of Silva's guard either.

Anderson throws his legs up to try and get a triangle choke locked in. Brandon fights away from it. Anderson uses that distraction to flip Brandon over and Anderson now has side control

Mike - That was a great move by Silva.

Joe - Yeah, fake the triangle, and use it as a distraction to flip him over into side control. Great move by Anderson, that just shows how diverse his skill set is

Anderson knees Brandon in the side. Anderson drops his fist onto Brandon's face. Brandon tries to buck Anderson off of him, but to no avail.

Mike - Macdonald just cannot do anything from down there

Joe - No, not at all, Anderson is just smothering him. Brandon really needs to do something big

Anderson grabs Brandon's right wrist. Anderson uses it to push Brandon's arm out. Anderson reaches his other arm underneath Brandon's and grabs onto his own forearm.

Mike - Silva is looking for a keylock here

Joe - Mike, if he can lock this in, it might be all she wrote

Anderson began to bend Brandon's arm with his own arm and elbow. Brandon tried to fight out of the keylock, but he was having no success. Brandon shifted around underneath Anderson. Anderson twisted Brandon's arm further.

Mike - Anderson Silva has that keylock locked in, and he is just cranking Macdonalds arm

Joe - I don't know how Macdonald has not tapped yet, look at his arm being bent way out of shape.

Brandon bucked his hips. Anderson moved to cover on top of Brandon more, and Brandon used that momentum to swing him over top of his own body, and forces Anderson to release the keylock hold. Both men stand to their feet

Mike - Amazing work by Macdonald to knock Silva off of him and force him to release that keylock.

Joe - But we have to wonder how much that lock affected him. Silva was cranking it hard for a while

Brandon feints a leg kick, and goes high with a punch. Anderson ducks the punch and throws a counter jab. It lands flush on Brandon's jaw, knocking him down.

Joe - Oh, he rocked Macdonald again!

Mike - Silva knocking down Macdonald yet another time! He's in full mount now

Anderson jumps on top of him, but Brandon manages to pull him down before Anderson can begin to rain down punches. Anderson tries to get his leg hooks in, but Brandon won't allow it.

Mike - Anderson Silva with another dominant round, trying to get his hooks in.

Joe - Macdonald is doing all he can to stop Silva from doing anything, but it does not seem to be working.

Brandon tries to sneak his arm out from underneath Anderson. Brandon manages to lock his hands together around Anderson's back, and bucked his hips, trying to roll Anderson over. Anderson holds his arms out and blocks the roll.

Mike - Again, Macdonald tries to make something happen for him, and again Silva completely shuts him down

Joe - Yeah, Silva is just all over Macdonald, he is getting smothered in there. This could be over soon

Brandon lands a punch to the stomach from the bottom. Brandon punches Anderson in the face. Anderson blocks it and catches Brandon's arm. Anderson swings his legs around, and falls to his back, still holding Brandon's arm.

Joe - Silva's going for the armbar!

Mike - Will we have a new champion?!

Brandon tries to stand, but Anderson has him pinned down. Brandon tries desperately to escape the armbar by Anderson, but Anderson is not letting go. Anderson torques Brandon's arm even more.

Mike - Silva is really yanking on Macdonalds arm.

Joe - I can't believe this, look at how far it is bent. Macdonald must know there's only a few seconds left. Will he make it?

Brandon bucks his hips, and then raises a hand. Brandon begins to tap just seconds after the horn sounds, ending the third round.

Mike - WOW! He tapped only a second after the horn rang, what a round!

Joe - Are you kidding me? How he didn't tap earlier, I have no idea. That was an incredible finish to the round.

Mike - A round that was again clearly won by Anderson Silva

Joe - Oh yeah, no question, Anderson clearly seems to have Brandon Macdonald figured out

[Voice: "So you tapped out there."
Brandon: "Yes, I tapped out."
Voice: "Describe what was happening during that armbar"
Brandon: "Well, he was cranking on my arm, bad. The keylock that he had me in had already hurt my arm enough, and that just doubled the pain. But I had heard the ten second clap, and so I knew that I just had to hold on until the end of the round, and then I could rest my arm for a minute. I am fortunate to have very good arm flexibility, so those submission wrenches didn't hurt as much as they would have a while ago"
Voice: "How did you feel after that round? It seemed like he completely blocked everything you tried to do"
Brandon: "He did. I was getting a bit frustrated. But talking to Greg during the break, he really helped me calm down. If it weren't for him, I would have come out in the fourth round, and lost. He helped settle me, remember the gameplan, and all that. I knew Anderson was getting tired, and I knew that if I lost this round, then I would lose the fight. So I kicked it into a whole different level"]

Herb Dean - Fighters, are you you ready? You ready? Let's fight!

Brandon moves in on Anderson. They touch gloves, and Brandon immediately shoots for a takedown. Anderson sprawls, and stands back up. Brandon follows him up.

Mike - Macdonald shoots for a takedown immediately, but Silva sprawls and gets back up

Joe - He needs to get this fight to the ground, Silva is killing him standing up. Good work by Silva to keep this up

Brandon throws a big head kick, that just barely misses Anderson's jaw. Anderson throws a three punch combo. Brandon blocks it, and ties Anderson up in the clinch. Brandon pushes Anderson back against the cage.

Mike - Big combo by Silva, but Macdonald does a nice job blocking it and getting him into the clinch

Joe - Yeah, Brandon really needs this round. If he loses this round as well, it's all but over for him

Brandon lands four straight knees to the inside of Anderson's legs. Brandon twists, and slams Anderson to the ground. Anderson manages to pull guard

Mike - Macdonald with the takedown, but Silva pulls him in guard.

Joe - Yeah, really nice work right there by Macdonald to get Silva on the ground. That's really what he needs to do if he wants to win this fight

Brandon throws a big hammer-fist that connects on the face of Anderson. Anderson has a good-sized cut above his eye. Brandon moves his arms, and Anderson kicks his leg upward, and locks in a triangle choke.

Mike - Macdonald cut Silva with that hammerfist, but Silva's got the triangle!

Joe - This is the third submission that Brandon's been in. Will we see him tap out?

Brandon tries to stand up over Anderson. Anderson locks the choke in tighter. Brandon manages to get to his feet. He is leaning over Anderson, still locked in the choke.

Mike - Macdonald to his feet now, whats he got in mind?

Joe - If it's what I think it is, Silva better let go

Brandon gets his arms free, and holds the back of Anderson. He picks Anderson up, and slams him hard to the ground. The force of the slam forces Anderson to release the choke.

Mike - Are you kidding me?! What a slam by the champion Brandon Macdonald!

Joe - Mike, that was a leaf straight out of Rampage's book. What a powerful slam!

Brandon scrambles on top of Anderson, and locks in leg hooks. Brandon spreads out, putting all of his weight on Anderson. Anderson bucks his hips and tries to twist himself out from underneath Brandon.

Mike - Macdonald is in full mount, and Silva is desperately trying to escape

Joe - Mike, he knows that he can't stay down there with someone as talented as Brandon Macdonald on top. He needs to get out of there

Brandon shifts so that he is now sitting on Anderson. Brandon starts raining down punches on Anderson. Hammer-fists are connecting, elbows are connecting. Brandon shifts to side control.

Mike - Big time hammer-fists and elbows from Macdonald on top. Switching to side control

Joe - Don't be surprised if we see some knees from this position. Macdonald is known to have some deadly side position knees

Brandon begins to hit knees to Anderson's side. Anderson tries desperately to escape. Brandon shifts to a head and arm control. He lands three unprotected punches to Anderson's face. Brandon shifts to a north-south position.

Mike - Just like you said Joe, Macdonald threw a ton of knees there, those had to have weakened the challenger. And now he's in north-south

Joe - Yeah, Silva is definitely going to feel the effects of those strikes

Anderson tries to shift as Brandon begins to dig his knuckles underneath Anderson's chin. Anderson tries to roll, and as he does, Brandon rolls with him and takes Anderson's back.

Mike - Macdonald rolls him, he's got his back now, this could be trouble for Silva

Joe - If Brandon Macdonald has your back, you are almost certainly done for. But theres not much time left, we'll see what happens

Brandon works his right hand underneath the chin of Anderson. Anderson leans his neck to the right, blocking the choke attempt. Brandon immediately switches to his left arm, and manages to sink it under the chin of Anderson

Mike - Silva blocks the right side, so Macdonald goes left, and gets it under. He's got the rear naked choke set up now

Joe - He's just got to lock it into his own arm, and then it will only be a matter of seconds before Silva taps or goes to sleep

Brandon moves his left hand, and grasps his own right bicep. With his right hand, Brandon pushes on the back of Anderson's head. Brandon pushes Anderson's head downwards, choking him. Anderson tries to roll, and ends up on top, but Brandon still has the choke locked in.

Mike - Silva rolls, trying to shake Macdonald off, but to no avail. Macdonald still has the choke locked in

Joe - That just shows how good Brandon is at his ground game. Anderson rolls him over, and absolutely nothing happens

Brandon applies more pressure to the choke. Anderson reaches his hand up. The horn sounds right before Anderson begins to tap. The ref forces Brandon to break the hold, and both fighters return to their corners.

Mike - It is all over! Or is it? Did he tap?

Joe - I think the horn sounded first. Wow! that was an incredible round. Brandon Macdonald really took it to Anderson Silva. In my opinion, they are both locked in at two rounds apiece.

Mike - I agree Joe. That was a fantastic job by Herb Dean to realize that that tap came after the horn rang. That's why he's the best ref in the UFC.

[Voice: So you made him tap, much like he had made you tap earlier. Did you think that you had won?"
Brandon: "To be honest, I had absolutely no idea. I didn't even hear the horn, when you are in the octagon, inside that cage, you hardly hear anything. I just felt him tap, and Herb making me let go. When I got up, I looked at Herb, who wasn't really saying anything, so I figured that he had tapped after the bell. Looking back at it on replays and videos, Herb was right. I don't know how he made the call like that, but that's why he's the best.
Voice: "What was running through your mind when he locked you in that triangle choke?"
Brandon: "Honestly, I was thinking 'Fuck, not again'. That was the third submission hold that he had put me in, and I was not happy with myself. The only consolation was that it didn't involve my arm, otherwise I would have tapped."
Voice: "Any reason you decided to slam him?"
Brandon: "Because it was going to work. Rampage Jackson, he's a good friend of mine. He taught me how he does some of his slams, and I figured, 'why not?'. I mean, I needed to do something drastic to change the momentum of the fight, and I had the perfect position and chance to do so. So once I got to my feet, and got my arm somewhat free, I knew that it was going to work. And it did"]

Herb Dean - "Round five. Final Round. You ready? Ready? Fight!"

Brandon and Anderson approach the centre of the octagon. They embrace quickly, and then shuffle back. Both men circle each other.

Mike - Only in the UFC will you see such a show of sportsmanship between two men fighting

Joe - The amount of respect these guys had for each other before the fight was incredible. Imagine how much they have for each other now, after four brutal rounds of back and forth action

Brandon throws a leg kick, which is checked by Anderson. Anderson counters with a left jab, which connects. Brandon charges at Anderson, catching him in the clinch, and landing a big knee to Anderson's head.

Joe - Look out Mike, Macdonald rocked him with that knee!

Mike - Can Brandon Macdonald capitalize on a groggy Silva?!

Anderson stumbles backwards, and Brandon charges, landing a big three punch combo. Brandon goes for another. Anderson covers up, and charges at Brandon. Anderson knocks Brandon against the cage, and ties him up in the clinch. Anderson lands a knee to Brandon's face.

Mike - And another huge knee, but this time by Anderson Silva!

Joe - Have you ever seen such an incredible fight?! I know I haven't

Brandon falls backwards, but immediately rolls back up. Brandon has a cut over his left eye. Brandon and Anderson circle each other again.

Mike - Macdonald was just cut open from that knee, and Silva was cut open last round. Both men are bleeding from those cuts now

Joe - Would you expect anything less from these two men. I'll tell you one thing. Either man could win this fight, and nobody would question it

Anderson shuffles right, and throws a spinning back fist. Brandon ducks under it, and lands a big uppercut. Anderson wobbles backwards. Brandon runs at Anderson and launches a big flying knee. Anderson side-steps it, and charges at Brandon.

Mike - A spinning backfist countered with an uppercut, and then a missed flying knee. This round just keeps getting more and more exciting

Joe - I am amazed. These two men look exhausted, yet they are just leaving it all out there

Brandon spins around and connects on a semi spinning backfist. Anderson falls to the ground. Brandon tries to get on top, but Anderson bounces up too quickly.

Mike - What a spinning backfist by Macdonald, but Silva hops up immediately.

Joe - Wow, these guys continue to surprise every time they go to engage each other

Anderson throws a leg kick. Brandon doesn't check it, and just absorbs the full force of it. Brandon turns and throws a head kick. Anderson partially blocks it. Anderson charges at Brandon.

Mike - You can tell that these men are just getting exhausted out there. But they are not disappointing the fans

Joe - Yeah, you saw Brandon Macdonald just take that leg kick. That just shows you that he is far too tired to try and expend energy to block it

Anderson connects with two punches to the stomach, and then sends a knee upwards at Brandon. Brandon gets caught, and is sent reeling backwards. Anderson bull rushes him, and tackles Brandon up against the cage.

Mike - Silva caught him with yet another knee, and Macdonald looks out of it

Joe - I think that's the third knee that he's taken directly to the chin. I don't know any man who wouldn't be out of it

Brandon gets double-underhooks, and throws Anderson off of him. They circle up again, shuffling to their right. Anderson throws a right jab. Brandon ducks under it, and throws a counter left jab, right to Anderson's chin.

Mike - Nice counter jab there by Macdonald, catching Silva right on the chin

Joe - Notice that both fighters have dropped their hands significantly. They are tired, make no mistake

Brandon grabs Anderson's head, and pushes it down while throwing a right knee. Anderson blocks it at the last second, and stumbles back. Anderson charges Brandon, and is met with a big leg kick.

Mike - Huge leg kick by Macdonald right there

Joe - Silva definitely felt that one, he showed it

Anderson throws a right hook, which Brandon narrowly avoids. Brandon throws a big kick to the body of Anderson. Anderson connects with a left hook to Brandon's jaw.

Mike - Silva connects with a left hook, right to the chin of Macdonald

Joe - I'll tell ya, I think both of these men are impossible to knock out

Brandon throws a big three punch combo, and Anderson counters with a leg kick. Brandon checks the kick, and throws a counter jab. Anderson takes the punch, and throws a body kick. Brandon throws another right jab.

Mike - I can't even follow this. Both men are exchanging punch after punch, kick after kick.

Joe - This is insane! Neither men are even making an effort to try and block anything, they are just eating everything that the other man is throwing at them

Anderson throws a spinning back elbow. Brandon steps back and counters with a right hook. Anderson wobbles back and bounces off the cage.

Mike - Nice dodge by Macdonald, followed by a great counter hook

Joe - He used the cage there for extra power, that's just showing his veteran ability

Brandon and Anderson circle up again. Brandon throws a leg kick, which is checked by Anderson. Anderson throws a head kick. Brandon dodges it.

Mike - Block by Silva, block by Macdonald, neither men can land anything worthwhile

Joe - It's like both of these men know exactly what the other is about to do, and they know exactly how to block it

Brandon throws a right hook. Anderson throws a right hook. Both punches connect at the same time. Both men fall to the canvas. The horn sounds as both men are getting to their feet.

Mike - Both men connect at the same time, and both go down, but the horn sounds.

Joe - I think we have just witnessed fight of the year Mike.

Brandon and Anderson exchange an embrace from their knees in the centre of the ring.

[Voice: "Did you feel like you had won?"
Brandon: "Every fighter feels like they won when it goes to a decision. I felt like I had done enough in that fifth round to win the fight. It was a very even round, and I felt like we had split the other four. But I felt like I had won that round."]

Mike - That was incredible. I cannot believe that fight wasn't decided way earlier. We saw submissions, we saw punches that would have knocked out anyone else.

Joe - We truly saw everything. These two fighters may be the two best in the world, and they showed it here tonight.

Mike - The judges have rendered their verdict. Bruce Buffer, has the official decision.

Bruce - Ladies and gentlemen. After five rounds of fighting, we go to the judges scorecard for a decision. Judge Dan Steil scores this fight 48-47, Macdonald. Judge Nelson Hamilton scores this bout 48-47, Silva. And judge Cecil Peoples scores it 48-47, declaring the winner by split decision.....and STILL...The UFC Light Heavyweight Champion! Brandon...The Shockwave...Macdonald!

[Voice: "When you heard that, what was running through your head?"
Brandon: "Well, as soon as Bruce said the word 'still', I knew that it was going my way. So as soon as he said that, I fell to my knees, I was so happy. I mean, like I said, I expected to win, but when it actually happens, thats when it actually hits you. So once I knew that I had won, the emotion really started to hit me. I mean, at that point, it was about more than just defending my title. It was about coming out on top, in the fight with the two greatest fighters in the UFC. And after that fight, I don't think there is a single person who would try to argue that."]

Joe - Alright, I'm here with the champ Brandon Macdonald, Brandon, just wow. What a fight. I loved it, the fans loved it, how did it feel?

Brandon - Joe, I'm so tired. But seriously, I give mad respect to Anderson. He came up to my weight level, to challenge me for my belt. He put up one hell of a fight. He's a great fighter, and a great guy, and I give him huge props for almost beating me here.

Joe - Can you tell us how in the hell you were able to survive the second and third round? You were getting pummelled.

Brandon - Oh man. I don't even know how I survived. Like, he was all over me. Those submissions really hurt me, but I just ran on adrenaline for those last two rounds. But I guess it worked. Two of the three judges saw that last round for me, and hey, it was a great match.

Joe - What's next for Brandon Macdonald?

Brandon - Sleep. Rest. No, but seriously, I'd love to have a rematch with Anderson, but I don't think he planned to stay at two oh five, so I don't know if that will happen. Whoever Dana puts me up against, I'll beat. And whoever he puts me up against after that, I'll beat them too. Joe, I'm unstoppable, and I dare you or anyone to find someone who can beat me. When you do, I'll gladly hand over the title to then. But until then, it stays right here, around my waist.

Joe - Brandon, is there anyone you'd like to thank?

Brandon - God

Joe - That's it?

Brandon - Yup

Joe - Brandon Macdonald ladies and gentlemen!

The crowd erupts as Brandon raises his arms to the sky. Joe walks over to Anderson, who is standing by with his translator.

Joe - Anderson, wow, what a match, can I ask you how you feel after that one?

Translator - uau, que correspondem a um, posso lhe perguntar como você se sente depois que um?

Anderson - O que posso dizer? Eu lutei com meu coração lá fora. Brandon é um lutador incrível, e ele realmente me ensinou muita coisa lá fora, e eu acho que lhe ensinou algumas coisas também. O estilo de luta aqui no LHW é muito diferente do que médio, e eu acho que a experiência de Brandon foi o motivo pelo qual ele foi vitorioso

Translator - What can I say? I fought my heart out out there. Brandon is an amazing fighter, and he really taught me a lot out there, and I think I taught him some things too. The fighting style here at light heavyweight is much different than middleweight, and I think Brandon's experience was the reason he was victorious

Joe - Did you feel like you had done enough to win that fight?

Translator - Você se sentiu como se você tivesse feito o suficiente para vencer essa luta?

Anderson - Em toda a honestidade, eu pensei que eu fiz. Mas eu acho que cada lutador pensa que quando ele vai para uma decisão. Eu sabia que havia vencido a segunda e terceira rondas, e eu sabia que ele tinha vencido o primeiro eo quarto. Eu pensei que tinha feito o suficiente para vencer nessa rodada final, mas dois dos juízes viram de forma diferente. Mas é assim que vai lutar. Você ganha algumas e perde outras. Estarei de volta no middleweight logo, defender o meu título por um longo tempo.

Translator - In all honesty, I thought I did. But I think every fighter thinks that when it goes to a decision. I knew I had won the second and third rounds, and I knew he had won the first and fourth. I thought I had done enough to win that final round, but two of the judges saw differently. But that's how fighting goes. You win some, and you lose some. I'll be back at middleweight soon, defending my title for a long time.

Joe - So does this mean that we won't see a Anderson Silva make a permanent move to the light heavyweight division?

Translator - Então, isso significa que não vamos ver um Anderson Silva fazer uma mudança definitiva para a divisão dos meio-pesados?

Anderson - Não. Eu estou voltando para baixo para médio. Eu não sou tão rápido com o peso extra aqui em cima, eu prefiro lutar lá em baixo. Eu sou mais rápido, e sou um lutador de todos em torno de mais excitante na middleweight. Então, eu vou estar de volta lá para a minha próxima luta, defendendo meu título do UFC.

Translator - No. I'm moving back down to middleweight. I'm not as quick with the extra weight up here, I'd much rather fight down there. I am quicker, and am an all around more exciting fighter at middleweight. So I'll be back there for my next fight, defending my UFC title.

Joe - Anything else you'd like to say Anderson?

Translator - Qualquer coisa que você gostaria de dizer que o Anderson?

Anderson - Eu gostaria apenas de dizer obrigado por Brandon por aceitar esta luta. Ele é um grande cara, e não tenho nada mas o respeito pelo homem. Eu gostaria de agradecer à UFC para colocar sobre isso, e agradeço aos fãs, vocês são os melhores!

Translator - I'd just like to say thanks for Brandon for accepting this fight. He's a great guy, and I have nothing but respect for the man. I'd like to thank the UFC for putting this on, and thank you to the fans, you guys are the best!

Joe - Ladies and gentlemen Anderson Silva!

Mike - Anderson Silva, very classy in defeat, waving goodbye to the fans after an extremely incredible fight. Truly spectacular.

Anderson walks over to Brandon, who is still in the ring talking to people. Anderson gets in front of Brandon and goes down to his knees, and bows in front of him. Brandon laughs, and gets down on his knees and hugs Anderson, talking in his ear

[Voice: "What did you say here?"
Brandon: "I told him thanks for all of the praise, and that he's an amazing fighter, and that he will have no problems for the rest of his career. He's a great guy, very respectful, and that he fought his ass off that night, and he deserves more than a loss after that"
Voice: "And he understood all of that?"
Brandon: "Oh, I said it in Portuguese, so I would assume so"
Voice: "You can speak portuguese?"
Brandon: "I learned a bit before the fight. It was a tactical advantage, so I could understand what his corner was yelling at him. You'd be surprised how many fighters do that, as a tactical advantage for themselves."]

Mike - Ladies and gentlemen, the respect that these two men have for each other is incredible. Two amazing UFC warriors, went to battle tonight. But in the end, Brandon Macdonald came out on top, defending his Light Heavyweight title, by a split decision, over Anderson Silva. Thanks for watching, and don't forget, 19 days from now, UFC 87: Seek and Destroy. The champ, Georges St. Pierre takes on Jon Fitch. Also, Brock Lesnar looks to avenge his first MMA loss against Heath Herring.

(Scene cuts to the post fight press conference. Anderson had declined to show up, citing the reason of injuries, and he wanted Brandon to have the moment)

Reporter - Brandon, how does it feel to keep your undefeated streak intact with that huge victory?

Brandon - Obviously it feels great. I wanted to come out, execute my plans, and pull off the victory. Obviously, I didn't really execute any plans very well, but I still got the victory. My hat's off to Anderson, he put on one hell of a fight. Enough that he convinced one of the judges that he had won it. But the victory is important to me, and I'm glad I came out on top.

Reporter - What do you think of Silva's decision to move back to middleweight? Do you think he realizes that he can't beat you, and so he's staying away?

Brandon - No, not at all. I didn't expect him to stay, even if he won. I think he came up here just to settle the debate. He wanted to see who was really the best, and he decided to challenge me. If he had won, I think he would have just dropped the title, and go back to middleweight. That's where he is the best. If I dropped down to that weight, he would beat me, badly. So I don't consider it running at all. He can continue to be the best middleweight, and I can continue to be the best light heavyweight.

Reporter - How was your camp coming into this fight? It was something that wasn't talked about a lot, and you seemed to come out flat-footed in the fight

Brandon - Hey, hold on a second there. I won the first round, pretty handily. If anyone came out flat-footed, it was Anderson. I had him right where I wanted him in that first round. The second and third rounds are different stories. I had a great camp. One of the best I've had coming into a fight. So I don't put any blame on that. I think more of it was to do with the fact that he fought better. He beat me up in those two middle rounds, and almost finished me multiple times. It's actually a credit to my camp that he didn't.

Reporter - Have you always had this strong a jaw? Coming into this fight, we had only really seen you get hit a lot against Chuck Liddell, and even he didn't land as flush shots as Anderson did

Brandon - Yeah, I've always had a strong jaw. I've been punched in the face before, it takes a lot to knock me out. But I'll tell you, he rocked me a lot. Some of his knees that he landed, they felt like I was hit with a brick. Luckily, I was able to hold him off, so I could regain composure. But yeah, I've never felt such hard shots. He's an incredible fighter.

Reporter - Have you also always had such good flexibility?

Brandon - Oh yeah. That's been one of my strong suits all of my life. It takes a lot to make me tap out. You guys actually just witnessed the first time I have ever tapped out before, even if it was after the horn. But I try and work on flexibility a lot, for precisely that reason. If I get stuck in a submission hold, I want to be able to hold it off until I can figure out a way to escape. The Gracie family are some of my heroes, and I don't think any of them have ever tapped out in their lives, so I try not to either.

Reporter - Do you know whats next for you?

Brandon - Actually, I do. My next fight is against Mauricio Shogun Rua. For the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. I'll see you there