Sherdog’s Top 10: Undeserved Title Shots

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3. Kiyoshi Tamura vs. Wanderlei Silva
Pride 19 “Bad Blood” | Feb. 24, 2002 -- Saitama, Japan

Nine months before Hiromitsu Kanehara had his unfounded championship dreams literally stomped out by Silva, Tamura looked to end a three-fight skid -- and capture a title in the process -- against “The Axe Murderer” at the Saitama Super Arena.

While Tamura’s overall resume was solid, with victories against the likes of Maurice Smith, Renzo Gracie, Jeremy Horn and Pat Miletich, to name a few, it was hard to justify the submission specialist receiving a shot at Silva on the heels of losses to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Renato Sobral and Gustavo Machado in his last three Rings appearances. Not surprisingly, Tamura received a warm reception from the Japanese crowd during the pre-fight introductions, but that was where the pleasantries would end.

The first frame was characterized not by one of Silva’s customary all-out assaults but by a steady stream of ground-and-pound from top position. It had to be a rude welcome to Pride for bloody-faced Tamura, who came from an organization that did not allow punches on the ground.

“There seems to be no threat whatsoever from Tamura in a submission sense,” Pride announcer Stephen Quadros remarked as Silva battered his foe from above.

Silva returned to form when Tamura elected to try his luck in an extended exchange with the Brazilian in round two, flooring the Japanese fighter with a massive overhand right. There would be no need for a follow-up barrage, as Silva emerged with a one-punch knockout victory 2:28 into the period. Eventually, a still-woozy Tamura was coaxed to his feet for a post-fight embrace by “The Axe Murderer,” who was always gracious in victory, no matter the credentials of the challenger.

Number 2 » Eilers vs. Arlovski