Black- and Whitelist » Group first-round series

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The last time Anderson Silva clowned around in the octagon, Chris Weidman dropped him on his back and took away his UFC middleweight title. Although Silva is serious about getting his belt back in the main event at UFC 168 on Saturday night, the Brazilian wont say whether hell drop the carefree style that has defined his career. At UFC 162 last July, Silva (33-5) was pretending to be hurt when Weidman (10-0) actually cold-cocked him for a stunning victory. The result upended the MMA hierarchy, catapulting Long Islands Weidman to stardom and ending Silvas near seven-year title reign. "Maybe I have the chance to change things," Silva said at his gym in Torrance, Calif., this month. Silva believes he can reverse the result in the rematch, but he wont swear off the taunting and goofiness that has become his signature alongside his unmatched striking abilities. In fact, Silva doesnt even see his style as anything less than serious. "When I go inside the ropes for a fight, I dont joke," said the fighter known for standing with hands on hips and chin protruding, daring opponents to hit him. "I train hard mentally for this fight," Silva added. "I watched the last fight, and I see my technique, and I talk to my friends and coach. I dont train too much. My mental (approach), I change. It was bad." The 38-year-old Silvas attempt to right a late-career mistake is the most intriguing aspect of the UFCs traditional year-end show at the MGM Grand Garden, but its hardly the only attraction on a stacked pay-per-view card. Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will be nothing but serious when she returns to the cage after a 10-month absence for a rematch with Miesha Tate, her despised rival. Veteran heavyweights Josh Barnett and Travis Browne also meet on the main card. While Rousey (7-0) is one of the UFCs biggest stars, she already beat Tate (13-4) with her signature armbar in the Strikeforce promotion last year. All eyes in Vegas will be focused on Silva, an even bigger star who put his career at a crossroads with his loss to Weidman, a formidable wrestler who proved his striking skills with that left hook to Silvas head. Yet Ed Soares, Silvas longtime manager, doesnt expect Silva to fight stiffly or formally in the rematch. "Why would he change? He wouldnt change," Soares said. "Its him. Its like asking Kobe not to shoot a certain way." Under normal circumstances, the method of Weidmans victory — a second-round knockout of a long-reigning champ — would have cemented the Hofstra alumnus as a major star. And while Weidman has grown in stature, Silvas silly mistake got even more attention than the man who forced it. Yet Silva isnt among those discounting Weidmans achievement and expecting Silva to resume his spot on top of the middleweight division. "Chris is the champion, and people need to respect that," Silva said. "Hes a good man. Has a great family. Hes a great champion." Silva trained at his gym in an industrial corner of Torrance. Although tucked into a quiet office park behind a refinery next to auto body shops and a telescope manufacturer, Silvas American home base can be spotted by the Bentley out front next to the big photos of himself. After two years of training in his self-created American base, Silva clearly has a comfortable life. He could walk away from a victory at UFC 168 with his legacy secure and enough money to watch his children grow up in style. Silva doesnt appear to be thinking about retirement, repeatedly mentioning he has eight fights left on his UFC contract. Yet he also recognizes the dangers of his chosen sport when asked whether he would allow any of his children to follow his path into MMA. "I dont like the idea of my sons fighting," Silva said. "Its too much danger. I dont have the heart for this. Im an old man." Adidas NMD R1 Dam Rea . 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The ninth-ranked Russian looked to be cruising before McHale broke late in the second set to tie the match and then took her commanding lead in the final set after breaking Sharapova.BUFFALO - The Buffalo Sabres have placed forward Drew Stafford on injured reserve because of an upper body injury. Stafford was hurt during last Thursdays game aagainst Minnesota and sat out Saturdays contest against New Jersey.dddddddddddd In 41 games this season, he has four goals and nine assists for 13 points. ' ' '