Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva defeated Soa Palelei in the second fight of UFC 190's main card. After back-to-back losses, Bigfoot's back was against the wall, and he performed well enough to move right back into the thick of things at heavyweight.
Bigfoot lost the opening round. He was doing well enough, but Palelei ended up in top position. “The Hulk” was not able to land too many clean blows to cause damage, but he did enough to secure the round. It was pretty even until the start of the second.
In less than a minute, Bigfoot won the fight. He wasted no time in finishing off Palelei and getting back in the win column. This is what we learned from the heavyweight battle.
What We'll Remember About This Fight
Bigfoot Silva's calculated work to end the fight.
Silva got Palelei against the cage and took his time. He landed several nice punches and a couple knees, but he didn't go all-out opening up opportunities for Palelei to survive. He was measured in his approach to ensure he could finish the fight.
This was a much needed win for the Brazilian.
What We Learned About Soa Palelei
We learned he still has yet to develop any sensible cardio. The pace of the fight was not intense, but after just one round he was visibly slower. It is not a good look to get that tired that quickly.
If he did not gas as quickly, it is possible he would have been able to work off the cage, or at least clinch with the Brazilian to give himself time. Instead, he stood there and took a beating. Palelei hits hard, very hard, but he has never improved enough to become a legitimate threat to the top end of the division.
Very disappointing.
What We Learned About Bigfoot Silva
We learned that he is back to his old self. He looked quicker at UFC 190.
Silva was not as lumbering or slow in this fight. He also took a few clean punches, and he ate them well. It was a departure from his previous outings.
Is he going to contend for the title? Very unlikely. However, he can improve enough to work back into the discussion as an upper echelon heavyweight. He has solid ability standing and on the floor. He can be a gatekeeper to the elite.
What's Next for Soa Palelei
There are limited options at heavyweight. Derrick Lewis seems like a good option.
Those two will sling until one or the other falls. It'll be a good rebound for one of the two, and it will send the loser out of the UFC. Probably for the best.
What's Next for Bigfoot Silva
Oleksiy Oliynyk.
Silva should not take on one of the top in the division right now, and a lot of the other fighters are coming off a loss. Also, this is a good test to see where Oliynyk is. Oliynyk is 2-0 in the UFC, and he needs a step up in competition.
This would serve as a quality main card tilt on just about any fight card. It serves a purpose.
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