Move over Fedor Emelianenko and Georges St-Pierre. There’s no doubt in the mind of The Sports Junkie who the best pound-for-pound fighter in MMA is today. It’s UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.
Silva’s dazzling combination of speed, striking and overall skill is unparalleled inside the Octagon – to the tune of an unprecedented 11-straight wins in the UFC. The only problem? It’s become apparent that Anderson’s ego is getting too big for his own good – and too big for the good of the organization who employs him.
Soares Had Trouble Coming Up With Answers After Silva's Performance At UFC 112
His latest uninspiring title defense – a 5-round unanimous decision over Demian Maia at UFC 112 in Abu Dhabi – has not only drawn the ire of UFC boss Dana White, but of legions of MMA fans around the world too. And for good reason. In arguably the most important event held by the UFC to date, an unapologetic Silva single-handedly sabotaged the main event with an immature performance not befitting of a champion. His repeated taunting of Maia in the early rounds, followed by his unwillingness to engage in the latter rounds, resulted in Silva disrespecting the fans, his opponent and the UFC all in one swift brushstroke.
Dana was so disgusted by the performance, he actually dumped the belt on Silva’s manager, Ed Soares, during the 4th round before walking out on the fight. Soares himself had a tough time coming up with answers to justify Anderson’s actions, while an apologetic White promised to make up for this folly. But that may be easier said than done where Silva’s concerned, as the bigger question remains – what should the UFC do with Anderson next?
Anderson's Messing With The Wrong Guy
As a result of this latest setback, the intriguing power struggle between White and Silva has resurfaced once again. While everyone knows Dana clearly is the guy who calls the shots with the fighters, Anderson continues to be the one insubordinate thorn in the UFC President’s side. He and Soares continue to challenge White’s decisions at every turn – fighting only who they want, when they want – and even then you don’t always get 100% of Silva, as evidenced by other lacklustre title defenses vs. Patrick Cote at UFC 90 and Thales Leites at UFC 97. It’s abundantly clear that Silva does not feel challenged by any of his middleweight challengers, yet he’s also proved unwilling to agree to stage a superfight against Light Heavyweight Champion – and personal friend – Lyoto Machida. Apparently though, he’s ready for a shot at Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar.
First things first. What about a potential superfight vs. GSP? Although the fans are begging for it, I hardly think Dana would ever reward Silva with such a fight. For starters, it may expose St-Pierre – their most popular fighter – who may not quite have the size necessary to compete with Silva. And should GSP actually lose that fight, Silva would gain even more power at the expense of the UFC’s most marketable champion.
UFC Announced Sonnen Will Be Up Next For Silva
What will Dana do? If history tells us anything, White’s the kind of guy who can – and will – make your life miserable if you spite him. Just ask Tito Ortiz, Strikeforce, Sherdog and Loretta Hunt, to name a few. Cutting him from the organization might seem a bit too drastic, even for Dana, although White has already suggested he would do just that if he chooses to dance away from his next opponent, UFC Middleweight challenger Chael Sonnen.
My suggestion? Give the baby his bottle. After his fight with Sonnen, stage a fight with Silva taking on Lesnar. Dana or the fans wouldn’t have to worry about another lacklustre fight – as Lesnar would undeniably engage Anderson from the opening bell until the end. Plus, the PPV buys would be off the charts. And if Silva could actually move up two weight classes and defeat Lesnar, than hats off to him. Without question, Silva would become the undisputed world’s best pound-for-pound fighter.
Or maybe, just maybe, Brock might teach Silva a thing or two about being the bully inside the Octagon.
Related Articles Worth Reading:
Dan Henderson: Anderson Silva ‘Fights Like An Idiot’ (MMA Fighting)
Silva told Maia during their fight: ‘You f***ing momma’s boy, show me your Jiu-Jitsu’ (MMA Bay)
Quote of the Day: Chael Sonnen Says Nobody Cares About Anderson Silva (Bloody Elbow)
The only thing that will teach this guy anything is losing. Find a fighter to beat him and your problems are solved Dana.
Got any good Silva videos to insert for us lazy bums who don’t like to read?
Red Wings – being lazy is the anti-thesis of MMA. Maybe if you read, train hard and take your vitamins, you too can one day fight in the UFC.
I fully agree – Anderson needs a real challenge. And I feel only a heavyweight fighter would give that too him. So let’s see what he’s got – it’s clear the middleweights offer little to no resistance. Since he won’t fight Machida, do I need to see him fight Liddell, Ortiz or Couture? Definitely not. Bring on the winner of Carwin vs. Lesnar!!!