Junior dos Santos training with Antonio "Big Foot" Silva. Photo via Portal do Vale Tudo.
Antonio "Big Foot" Silva trains with UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos and has some thoughts on dos Santos' UFC 146 challenger Alistair Overeem. Silva spoke to Brazil's Portal do Vale Tudo and didn't pull any punches in his assessment of Overeem (translated by Orcus):
A fight is a fight and anything can happen. They're two very strong fighters, they're at the top of their division but I don't see how Overeem can beat Junior dos Santos. Overeem is (beating a lot of people), he's a lion, but when (he gets hit) he becomes a kitty. When Junior first connects, Overeem's spirit of a fighter will go to the dress room. I think it will be Junior with another knockout in his career.
Silva has signed with the UFC but has yet to have an announced opponent. At one point it was expected that he would face former champ Cain Velasquez but Cain will instead face Frank Mir. Silva became the second man to defeat Fedor Emelianenko during the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. He was eliminated from that tournament by Daniel Cormier in the semi-finals.
0 recs | 102 comments
I don't know about a "kitty"
but I do agree that JDS is going to put a beating on him. His hands are just to fast for the Reem.
attgnp - February 19, 2012
Especially the way that Reem likes to try and block strikes just by shelling up.
JDS is great at sneaking punches through a guard, and Reem doesn’t have as much surface area protection with 5 oz. gloves.
ElliotMatheny - February 19, 2012
Dat uppercut
Mjub - February 19, 2012
roys hair is magnificent in that gif.
gspmademegay - February 20, 2012
totally agree Elliot
Reem dislike for eating hard punches is hardly news, but the match up on the feet is not a good one here for Reem. He isn’t going to be able to really work his bully Muay Thai style because unlike Brock JDS will let his hands fly and unlike Werdum there will be serious power behind the shots.
I think it could be a repeat of this
T.P. Grant - February 19, 2012
thats pretty much how I see it going down.
attgnp - February 19, 2012
That is still probably the coolest OHR i've ever seen in my life
ElliotMatheny - February 19, 2012
Yes. I’ll go as far as to say it doesn’t get out of the first either.
pud333 - February 19, 2012
striking-wise it seems to favor JDS
Overeem would be well served to stay on the outside and really punish that lead leg of JDS, and carefully get in and out for knees to the body. But I think what is going to make the difference is Overeem’s added bulk has really slowed him down and JDS is big, long and very fast, he is going to get in and land punches at some point early in the fight and that will be it for Overeem.
T.P. Grant - February 19, 2012
I'd really like to see Overeem slim down a little for this fight
Bloody L - February 19, 2012
On top of which, JDS is great
at powerful lunging strikes. Overeem could likely chop the lead leg and eat a long hook/uppercut.
Erasedhead - February 20, 2012
Overeem just seems like a quitter to me.
His TKO losses haven’t really been about him getting truly hurt. He gets hit with some hard shots, which do hurt him, and when the other guy smells blood, AO just wilts. The problem is, Overeem is fighting the only guy in the division who may be a more vicious striker than he is. He is going to get hit, and hit very hard.
Warbreezy - February 19, 2012
"Quitter" is a pretty serious accusation
I don’t think it is fair for Overeem. Surviving when dazed ala Frankie Edgar isn’t an act of pure will, there is a natural ability guys like Edgar have where the lights don’t go out and they are able to recover quickly. I don’t think Overeem has that ability to recover well, and I don’t think that is his fault.
Now his brother on the other had I think it is fair to accuse him of being a quitter
T.P. Grant - February 19, 2012
Maybe quitter is a strong word
But the Overeems seem to have a lot of quit in them. Even in gif posted above, he doesn’t look like he is being truly KO’ed. Chuck hurts him and starts pouring it on, but at the end of that sequence of punches, it looks like Overeem lets go of the rope and gives up. I think his will gave out, not his body.
Warbreezy - February 19, 2012
cmon thats not quitting thats covering up because hes rocked
when prime chuck lands the overhand right, your gonna cover up. Look at the Tito fights for reference.
benten20 - February 19, 2012
off topic
like the pic.
DBZ was a guilty pleasure of mine when I was in high school and I always liked vegeta
T.P. Grant - February 19, 2012
totally worth the off topicness and its still a guilty pleasure of mine and im 20
vegeta is so much more epic of a character then goku or anyone else and is def my favorite.
benten20 - February 19, 2012
everyone loves an anti-hero
it makes them seem more realistic than a good through and through guy like Goku.
It is why everyone likes Han Solo over Luke in star wars (though I was a kid when started with that and have always preferred Luke)
T.P. Grant - February 19, 2012
My favorite character has always been Gohan
The only character that grew up along with the series. He was the most powerful character in the series (barring any crazy fusion shit) but really didn’t like fighting. He was too nice of a guy. Blowing up Cell was pretty epic.
discoandherpes - February 19, 2012
He was a big let down in the Maajin Buu saga, though.
Dude does all this mystical training, which is supposed to be incredibly badass, and he ends up being pretty goddamned mediocre.
ElliotMatheny - February 20, 2012
I personally thought the writing of the series took a serious hit after the Frieza stuff
I agree. That whole Buu saga was kind of lame and drawn out, and he ended up being a letdown. What’s the point in telling us how crazy powerful awesome he is post mystical training if he doesn’t do shit.
Thru those nostalgia glasses, I loved DBZ. I remember writing an essay in school about how Goku is the worst deadbeat dad ever.
discoandherpes - February 20, 2012
Haha, find that paper and post it RIGHT MEOW.
The one thing that bugged me most about that series was how hubris always fucked up the action. Every time a character (hero or villain, doesn’t matter) had an upper hand, they decided to squander it and play around with the opponent, instead of finishing the job. And it would’ve been fine if it only happened a few times, but it was seriously so damn predictable.
It was like watching one of Melvin Guillard’s losses every episode.
ElliotMatheny - February 20, 2012
I think the term that better suits Overeem
is “bully” fighter, he likes being in charge. A frontrunner if you. He has come from behind in fights but he clearly is a different fighter when he is imposing his will
T.P. Grant - February 19, 2012
also
Overeem doesn’t help his case by his defense not really being there and allowing himself to get hit really hard at times.
T.P. Grant - February 19, 2012
Weren’t most of his TKO losses were “gassing out”-losses? I agree that Junior is probably rightfully favored but Overeem did manage to win against a lot of great, great strikers and the whole “the gloves are smaller”-argument only goes so far, IMO. In addition to that Overeem has the more diverse arsenal in theory. So this may be a lot closer than many of us here seem to think.
KGNLuc - February 19, 2012
wait-wasnt that mohawked white guy
the one who was always getting ktfo in the ufc?
wtf?
gspmademegay - February 19, 2012
Well played!
castleeb - February 19, 2012
Holy Shit
Chuck beat the shit out of reem back then. Never seen that fight before
milliondollardreams - February 19, 2012
Watch Chuck vs. Guy Mezger.
Brutal KO.
sgiblin - February 20, 2012
Reem was schooling him until he gassed.
the-gentle-way - February 20, 2012 via mobile
Overeem was doing well until he got caught with that overhand right.
I don’t think he gassed. It was only 3 minutes into the fight.
sgiblin - February 20, 2012
elliott ..
Uppercuts hit under the gloves anyway. I really feel this Reem guard “problem” is over stated.
the-gentle-way - February 20, 2012 via mobile
I'm confused/possibly dumb
Does Bigfoot not train in Florida with Evans and the Blackzillians, the same place Alistair just signed with?
kellenavalanche - February 19, 2012 via mobile
He used to
I thought the same thing when I saw this a few days ago.
halitosis - February 19, 2012 via mobile
According to wikipedia . . .
He is affiliated with both Team Noguiera and the Blackzilians. I hope the Reem lays him out with a knee during training for shit talking him.
Fear the RUSH - February 19, 2012
yeah
I though Bigfoot was the guy who came up with the term Blackzillians. At least that’s the story according to Shad
bustachong - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
Junior is going to light Overeem up like a Christmas tree.
His combos and speed will be too much.
pud333 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
i wish, just once
one of these guys would say ‘yeah, ive been training with jds for 2 years…but, overreems gonna knee his fucking head clean off. dos santos is so fucked.’
gspmademegay - February 19, 2012
I think that Mariusz Pudzianowski’s boxing trainer said that he sucked at everything preceding his Moosin fight with Tim Sylvia.
castleeb - February 19, 2012
thats awesome. refreshing, really.
gspmademegay - February 19, 2012
Fighters are such wusses when it comes to criticism/honesty like that.
They’re afraid to say it, even if they think it, and rightly so, because the other guy will get all pouty and throw a hissy fit. How dare he give an honest assessment of my abilities/chances!?!
pud333 - February 19, 2012
GSP the the exception to tbhat rule...
voiceinthedesert - February 19, 2012
i love GSP for that
such an honest man who loves this sport
Kevin Jennison J. Zametov-St Pierre - February 19, 2012
That's part of why he's so good.
He’s not afraid to admit he’s scared, or look at what he’s doing wrong.
pud333 - February 19, 2012
This is also why I think he is capital G Great.
He is honest with himself. He acknowledges fear, and it makes fear less of a hindrance to doing what he has to do.
DankNabbot - February 19, 2012
Jon Jones said that he thought Dominick Cruz would beat Faber the second time
I guess that fits there. But then again, Jones is a cold, backstabbing, evil liar, so you have to take that into account.
halitosis - February 19, 2012
He didn't look like a kitty when he got rocked by tyrone spong
He recovered and then put a beating on tyrone, I think people are thinking about this fight in the context of overeem at 205 too much. He’s obviously a much different fighter at heavyweight. He shown a much better ability to recover from punishment since hes moved up and I credit that to him not having to cut weight.
C.A.M. - February 19, 2012
that, and a shit ton of performance enhancers.
gspmademegay - February 19, 2012
Yes because all the drug tests he's passed . . .
and the fact that he put on maybe 40 lbs over 4 years (Mir put on like 30 lbs of muscle in a year to fight Carwin and nobody said anything) beat blind speculation.
Fear the RUSH - February 19, 2012
Who gives a sh1t what they take just don't get caught!!!
Alfxtream - February 19, 2012
bullshit, lots of people (myself included) were/are suspicious of mir.
blind speculation? dude, have you ever actually SEEN overreem?
p.s. i
feelthe rush. uh, i mean fear.gspmademegay - February 19, 2012
...
Incorrect. Everybody was saying the weight gain was suspicious.
I don’t care if Overeem juiced or not, but come on man. It just seems obvious.
sgiblin - February 19, 2012
Nobody seems to talk about Mir with that
I thought so too. But it isn’t exactly blind speculation when you look at the Reem. I mean, just look at the guy. If he isn’t on something I’d guess he’s a superhero.
halitosis - February 19, 2012
both are correct.....
He got a hold of some super soldier serum.
the-gentle-way - February 20, 2012 via mobile
horse meat*
attgnp - February 19, 2012
I love throwing out baseless accusations too
crazedfan - February 19, 2012
Silva and Overeem Teammates????
I don’t know why Big Foot trash talking Overeem when they are both teammates now at
blackzillas camp; However, i do agree with Silva point of view. We all should know Overeem chin is questionable at best. Overeem just like his brother he reacts funny when hit with a good punch and he immediately puts his hand up and covers himself letting the other fighter unload on him. I see Dos Santos knocking out Overeem in their fight. It will be similar to Dos Santos vs Carwin, Roy, but Overeem not been able to see the second round.
Alfxtream - February 19, 2012
I remember on MMA Live or one of those shows where Evans said that Bigfoot and Overeem won’t be training together. Also, I believe that Bigfoot is now affiliated with Team Nogueira, and I don’t know how much time these days, if any, that Bigfoot trains with Imperial Athletics/Blackzillians.
chrisbboy82 - February 19, 2012
Evans vs Jones Press Conference
Evan started naming fighters that were in his camp i think he named Silva if i remember correctly. Anyways yeah i think he also mention they don’t train together, but still you are in the same building training with the same guys. It can create a separation within the camp ( this side vs that side) u don’t want stuff like that in camps.
Alfxtream - February 19, 2012
That’s right. It was the press conference.
chrisbboy82 - February 19, 2012
Actually I think he was asked a direct question if Silva and Overeem are going to train with eachother, and he just said “no” basically. I don’t think he counted Silva when he mentioned some of the guys he trained with though. Not 100% sure though
Horselover Fat - February 19, 2012
So, it will be like the rest of Junior’s fights?
Sugel Mendoza - February 19, 2012
This is the same guy who just got KO'd by a wrestler right???
That’s what I thought….
Taiter - February 19, 2012
U saying Silva got a weak chin?
Because he got anything, but a weak chin…. Cormier hit him with everything, but the kitchen sink
and the dude didn’t go away. Cormier even broke his damn hand on his face. Yeah Silva went
unconscious after a while, but he took a bunch of shots that would have KO others.
Alfxtream - February 19, 2012
He lost.....end of story.....
Taiter - February 19, 2012
Same guy who lost to Werdum who...
AO destroyed right?….yup that’s the guy.
Taiter - February 19, 2012
ROFL
I’m sorry AO destroyed Werdum??? AO hopefully cried himself to sleep that night because
for the suppose to be "Best Stand Up Fighter in MMA’ / K1 Champion got beat up in the stand up vs a BJJ guy. Only reason Werdum lost is because he was intimidated by AO, and didn’t realize he was actually winning in the stand up. Yes Werdum beat Silva in a very close fight that could have gone either way. I remember Silva hitting Werdum some nasty shots in that first round. Shots that would have KO AO.
Alfxtream - February 19, 2012
So he hits him with a few shots and then.....
…lays on his back and he wins the stand up war? Your reasoning there is enough to explain why you see these fights with rose colored glasses. If BigFoot can ever get through the UFC gate keepers…..AO will be more than ready for him….lol
Taiter - February 19, 2012
Let me break it down for ya
Werdum beat AO in the stand up in that fight, that does not mean he won the fight….
Werdum did lay on his back for almost the whole fight
Yes AO won because of that
If Werdum would have traded more with AO things could have been different…
Will AO beat Silva??? IDK that would be a great fight. I can see both beating each other.
Alfxtream - February 19, 2012
“If Werdum would have traded more with AO things could have been different…”
Yep. He probably would only have been on his back once. ;)
KGNLuc - February 19, 2012
Whoa whoa whoa
Destroyed? He’s 1-1 with him, and his win was anything but impressive.
halitosis - February 19, 2012
Don't mistake Werdums pathetic display
…for anything to do with AO. Werdum looked like a tart.
Taiter - February 19, 2012
Still
Destroyed? He got outstruck, no matter how you put it. It was pitiful for both parties.
halitosis - February 19, 2012
Anything else you'd like to talk about Al?
Taiter - February 19, 2012
Don't be a dick
halitosis - February 19, 2012
I have a feeling Mania...
is a better fit for you.
sgiblin - February 20, 2012
Your point...
is not a point. It has no relevance in this conversation.
sgiblin - February 19, 2012
He has none he just a troll lol
Alfxtream - February 19, 2012
easy way out pal...
….when you don’t have a point that makes sense…..enjoy the day!
Taiter - February 19, 2012
Taiter
You’re looking a lot like a troll right now. Either tone it down or hop off.
halitosis - February 19, 2012
I have this ickling feeling
Overeem will win via kicks and knees and keeping his distance
Thorpey - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
That's the best way for Reem to win.
Either that or guillotine.
Rob Young - February 19, 2012 via mobile
For the last time they are not F@€k/& teammates
malo - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Bigfoot may be referring to AO's 3 fights vs Shogun
Got KO’d twice and…tapped to strikes
voiceinthedesert - February 19, 2012
Bigfoot may wanna worry more about himself....
AO would tool him…..
Taiter - February 19, 2012
But Bigfoot beat Fedor! ;)
voiceinthedesert - February 19, 2012
That doesn't matter
I don’t usually say something like this, but you are really dangling on Overeem’s nuts right now. A guy says something about him and you have to start getting all defensive of him.
halitosis - February 19, 2012
When i saw the pic I thought
It was from an old Rio Heroes type event
Jumbo Slice - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I guess Bigfoot forgot his kitty impression
when Cormier uppercutted him to la la land
elmojo - February 19, 2012
Are they still doing the tournament?
I haven’t heard anything about it, is it safe to assume it’s done and over with?
JG87 - February 19, 2012
The conclusion would have as much impact as a wet stick of dynamite
voiceinthedesert - February 19, 2012
They're still doing it
Horselover Fat - February 19, 2012
Sorry. Whaaaat?
voiceinthedesert - February 19, 2012
What?
The final between Cormier and Barnett should go down sometime this spring. It’s been delayed for a long time because of Cormier’s broken hand. The winner is then supposed to fight one more time in SF after that.
Horselover Fat - February 19, 2012
Whaaaaaaat?
voiceinthedesert - February 19, 2012
Pot.
Kettle. Black.
Gene Dimitriou - February 19, 2012
I love it when...
People talk shit coming after a loss to try to stay relevant. Stop worrying about Overeem and focus on winning again.
evenflow10 - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Slightly unrelated/slightly relevant
How do you think JDS’ punching power would match up compared to Badr Hari’s?
I ask bc Hari KTFO’d the Reem back in K-1, and I think if anyone would make him be a “kitty,” it being Badr would be pretty understandable.
bustachong - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
Did you watch the fight?
Hari won with one knockdown and one semi-knockdown. I wouldn’t consider that being KTFO.
sgiblin - February 20, 2012
It's been a couple years
For some reason I seemed to remember Reem not getting back up. Then again, I also might have been watching it online and didn’t see the the full aftermath. Thanks for the heads up though!
bustachong - February 20, 2012
Dear Bigfoot...
That is all.
sBruce24 - February 19, 2012
im pretty sure i saw cormiers glove
come out the back of bigfoots head in that last gif.
gspmademegay - February 20, 2012
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