Thiago Silva was outgunned to start the bout, but then turned the tables on a slowing Rafael Cavalcante with a flurry of punches against the cage that finished off “Feijao” at 4:29 of the opening round.
After refusing to touch gloves, both Rafael Cavalcante and Thiago Silva stalked each other and engaged right out of the gate. Cavalcante landed his powerful right hand, then put together combinations that scored on Silva. Silva fired back with kicks but “Feijao” stayed busier with his hands as the round wore on. The exchanges continued much to the delight of the crowd, then Cavalcante fired off a vicious spinning elbow that connected, instantly backing up the charging Silva.
Silva picked up the pace shortly after, looking to take advantage of a slowing Cavalcante. He did just that as he stalked Cavalcante, landing a stiff one-two combination and a left hook that staggered Cavalcante against the cage. Silva stayed on the attack, landing another left hook before following up with a thunderous uppercut that crumpled Cavalcante to the mat. Two more right hands finished the job as the referee stepped in to stop the onslaught.
The vicious finish improves Thiago Silva to 16-3 overall (6-3-0-2 UFC).
Rafael Cavalcante (204) vs. Thiago Silva (206)