Anderson Silva vs Ryo Chonan — Fight recap

Ryo Chonan submitted Anderson Silva via triangle choke in the third round at 3:08 on December 31, 2004, in a stunning upset at PRIDE 28. Silva landed 44 of 80 significant strikes (55%) and successfully executed all three of his takedown attempts, controlling much of the fight with superior striking accuracy and grappling efficiency.

Chonan, despite landing fewer significant strikes at 43 of 94 (45%), capitalized on Silva's aggression by sweeping from his back and locking in the triangle from bottom position—a submission that would become one of MMA's most memorable upsets. Silva's 100% takedown success proved ineffective against Chonan's submission defense and counter-grappling, as the Japanese fighter's leg kicks (20 of 24) and positional awareness ultimately proved decisive.

The loss marked a rare blemish on Silva's record and demonstrated that even dominant wrestling and striking can be negated by superior submission technique and composure.