Dissecting A Spider
The esteemed Dr. Warren F.N. Piece of newyorkfightscene.com has written an editorial about the recent performances of Anderson Silva.
As I hold a B.A. in Psychology from a semi-reputable New York State university, I feel that I am more than qualified to provide you all with an authoritative, clinical analysis of one Anderson “The Spider” Silva following, what many consider to be, his second bizarre performance in a row inside “The Octagon”.
97: First, I am not one of these “I want my money back!” people nor was I overly disappointed with how UFC 97’s Main Event went down. To tell you the truth, I was never excited about this fight (was anyone?). Leites became #1 Contender many moons ago (via a technicality…Nate “The Great” BEAT HIS ASS!!!) at a time when the UFC’s middleweight division was crazy weak (unlike today where we have folks such as Demian Maia, Mike Bisping, a reborn, cyborg-like Nate Marquardt and Wanderlei Silva all lining up for a title shot).
Most fans in the know probably figured this bout would end in one of two ways: 1) Anderson annihilates Thales…real quick; or 2) Thales catches Anderson and shocks the world (a la Gonzaga or Serra). But what no one expected or wanted to see was Silva pick Leites apart for 5 rounds, never really go in for the kill or display any animalistic desire to “finish” the fight and look as pleased as punch upon winning a lackluster unanimous decision.
Question: Why is it that Anderson is (or was) thrilled with this type of win while the rest of the MMA world feels disgusted (fans), embarrassed and confused (Dana White) and/or disrespected (Wanderlei Silva)?
Possible Answers:
1. The Title. Silva wants to hold onto his belt no matter what. A win is a win. He doesn’t care what the fans or anyone else wants to see or how a fight ends. Anderson has zero desire to unnecessarily chase his opponent or follow him to the ground when he knows that there’s a chance (however small) of getting “caught”. Can you blame him? The champ makes the most bread, gets the hottest chicks and, usually, enjoys the most fame.
2. Fame. Think about your old favorite band or artist who used to be hungry, creative. etc. The guy that lost his mojo and bond with his fans once he got too big and everyone around him began kissing his ass and calling him “the greatest”. That celeb who can no longer go out in public. Fame changes people and distorts their reality. They live in a vacuum. Perhaps, as my wife suggested, Anderson Silva has become the Michael Jackson of MMA. Someone who can no longer relate to the fans, comprehend what they want to see in a fight (ruthless aggression) or what they believe constitutes a good “show” (ruthless aggression). I am, actually, surprised that we have not seen this before, but MMA is a relatively new sport/form of entertainment and its stars are only now beginning to enjoy (or endure…depending on how you look at it) the same level of fame that other athletes and entertainers have enjoyed/endured for a very long time.
3. Artistry. I happen to disagree with the Wanderlei Silvas of the world who consider Anderson’s recent fighting style “disrespectful”. In fact, I believe it is very possible that A. Silva has so much respect for fighting that he is trying his hardest (in vain) to elevate the sport and the status of the MMA combatant to the level of “art” and “artist”. After all, MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. Could it be that Silva perceives each of his fights as a painter would his/her paintings? Could he be limiting the strikes he unleashes to only the most accurate, elegant and beautiful for just this reason?
4. All of the above (or a bit of each).
Solution: Do not allow “The Spider” to face anymore unworthy opponents. No more Leites, Cote or Lueter-level guys. Just those who will bring the fucking thunder and lightening and force him to fight his heart out for fear of losing it all. I believe this is the UFC’s plan and that a catch-weight bout with GSP is in the works. That should do the trick.
