Chael Sonnen almost pulled off a Frankie Edgar.

For four rounds, the trash-talking Sonnen backed-up his words when he dominated the ‘invincible’ Anderson Silva.

Going into the fifth and final round, Sonnen is almost destined to make a major upset (see Edgar vs Penn), leading on all the judges’ scorecards, BIG.

However with 1:50 remaining in the bout, Silva wrapped his long legs around Sonnen’s neck and caught him with a triangle choke to pull off one of the most improbable come-from-behind victory in UFC history.

It was the first time a champion had ever lost four straight rounds and came back to win in the fifth. This was also one of only three fights in UFC history to end in the fifth round.

For the ninth time in his career, Sonnen have not managed to escape a submission hold.

Prior to this fight, UFC President Dana White threatened to cut “The Spider” from the UFC if he don’t make his act straight.

His performances at UFC 90, UFC 97 and UFC 112 were more like clowning than fighting that’s why he was given the ultimatum.

After the fight, White said:

“This was a legendary fight tonight. This is one of those fights where Anderson Silva went up a notch.”

In a packed fight card, it was awarded as “Fight of the Night”. Heck, it might as well be the “Fight of the Year”.

It also saved Anderson Silva’s UFC career, his UFC Middleweight title and extended his record streak of most consecutive wins in the UFC to 12 and most successful title defenses to seven.

Check out the Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen fight video.

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UPDATE December 2, 2010: The Silva vs Sonnen fight was named the World Mixed Martial Arts Awards 2010 Fight of the Year!

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Tags: anderson silva, chael sonnen, UFC 117