Sherdog’s Top 10: Strongest Kickers

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4. Anderson Silva

Prior to UFC 168, any discussion on kicks might have been anchored by the front kick “The Spider” executed at the expense of Vitor Belfort at UFC 126. Instead, the often-labeled “greatest MMA fighter of all-time” checks in on the list while currently on the shelf after suffering one of the most gruesome leg injuries in UFC history.

Silva is one of the most innovative and diverse kickers to ever compete in MMA, and he has given the combat sports world an insane amount spinning back kicks, front neck kicks and side knee kicks through which to scour on YouTube. The first widespread knowledge of his ability to do impressive things with his legs came during his Zuffa debut at UFC Fight Night 5 against Chris Leben. The exploits continued against Rich Franklin at UFC 64 and UFC 77, as he used kicks to the body and head to set up brutal knees and earn finishes. Even his strikes that are deemed illegal are crazy to watch; look no further than his bout against Yushin Okami at Rumble on the Rock 8, where he was disqualified for an upkick to the face of the grounded Japanese judoka.

With a return to the Octagon all but assured, one is left to wonder whether or not there will be a tendency for Silva to resort to tactics that do not involve the legs. If anyone can do so with success, it is “The Spider.”

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