The 6 Best Photos From UFC 148: Silva vs. Sonnen II

As the old saying goes “a picture is worth a thousand words”. The saying applies to this day and without a doubt, applies to mixed martial arts as some of the sports most historic moments are relived through the images that captured them.

There is nothing better than a snapshot of a fighter dealing with tragedy or triumph, or a picture of a perfectly timed strike, every microscopic fragment of impact relived as limbs and jaws collide. A photo can display a range of emotions, happiness and sadness, victory and defeat. Every picture is different, each having a unique distinction and personal story.

That being said, lets look back at the 6 best photos from UFC 148: Silva vs. Sonnen II.

6. Cody McKenzie Sucking Wind
Chad Mendes landed a huge right punch to the liver of Cody McKenzie that sent “The Ultimate Fighter” veteran crashing to the mat, out of breathe and air. McKenzie was in obvious pain at the conclusion of the bout and took a fair bit of time to get back up.

5. Chad Mendes Got Hops
After crippling Cody McKenzie, Chad Mendes displayed his tremendous athleticism by pulling out perfectly executed backflip. The celebration raises the question, what was more impress, Mendes’ performance, or the back flip? Only you can decide.

4. Tito Ortiz…The Gladiator
Everyone in attendance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and those watching at home on PPV were equally confused when the camera hit Tito Ortiz for his final walkout to the Octagon at UFC 148. Ortiz referred himself to as a gladiator throughout the week and he walked to the cage wearing an extremely odd gladiator helmet. There have certainly been some unique walkouts to the cage by UFC fighters over the years, but never before has anyone sported such unique gear on their stroll to the cage.

3. Cung Le Cracks Cote
On the main card of UFC 148, Cung Le and Patrick Cote traded fisticuffs for three rounds with Le coming out on top via unanimous decision. It was a competitive battle and at one point, Le landed a beautiful straight left punch to the forehead that send the Canadian turning. By the look on his face, Cote did not take kindly to the powerful strike.

2. Khabib Eats a Knee
Gleison Tibau delivered a knee strike square on the chin of Khabib Nurmagomedov during their UFC 148 preliminary bout. Nurmagomedov displayed a granite chin as he took multiple big shots throughout the fight and went on to win via unanimous decision. This knee was one of those big shots. How Nurmagomedov remained conscious is a mystery, however, his face shows exactly how much impact a Tibau knee can have.

1. Incoming Anderson
Fear struck the eyes of Chael Sonnen after he missed an ill advised spinning back fist and fell to the ground in the second round of the UFC 148 main event. The missed strike ultimately led to the end of the fight as Silva came in on Sonnen and crushed the upper region of his chest with a devastating knee.

Honorable Mention

Mike Bohn, founder and lead writer of FightCove.com, wrote this article. You can follow Mike on Twitter at @FightCoveMike. Also, follow @FightCove on Twitter and “Like” Fight Cove on Facebook.