LAS VEGAS -- This is the UFC 126 live blog for Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort, the main event of tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
Silva (27-4) eyes his eight middleweight title defense taking on Belfort (19-8), a former UFC light heavyweight champ and UFC 12 heavyweight tournament winner.
Belfort walks out with a preternatural calm on his face, like a man walking on the beach. Silva walks out to his usual entrance song, DMX's "Ain't No Sunshine." His son walks in alongside him. Crowd is pro-Belfort. They touch gloves and here we go.
Round 1: Both measure each other early, not a punch thrown in the opening minute. They dance around each other, very patient and cautious. Belfort catches a Silva kick and takes him down. Silva right back up. Belfort landed a left hook that was square. Silva danced backwards. Out of nowhere, the threw a front kick that landed right on Belfort's chin. Belfort crashed backwards and looked like he was out. The ref Mario Yamasaki let it go, and Silva pounced on him, landing a few punches for the knockout.
Winner: Anderson Silva via knockout, Rd. 1 (3:25)
The two hug in the cage afterward, after Silva celebrated his highlight reel win.
LAS VEGAS -- This is the UFC 126 live blog for Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort, the main event of tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.
