Joined
·
2,384 Posts
First off let me say I am not condoning Silva's actions this past weekend. I am still a die hard fan and will still cheer for him the next time he fights, that being said I was not okay with the last two and a half minutes of that fight.
Now onto my point... what's wrong with this situation, and inevitable proof that will follow?
Over the past few years the UFC's champions have always served as the main draw. The biggest being Brock, and Randy was of course a big draw before that. GSP would be close second, and BJ Penn's pay per views were doing well too. Even Lyoto, who despite his great following in the MMA world, was a realitive unknown drew very solid numbers in his first defense against Shogun (of course having shogun didn't hurt either).
My point is, when Anderson first hit the scene... he was respectful to Leben, who was not respectful to him... he was very respectful to Franklin, and Marquardt... and throughout all of these dominating wins over top fighters he continued to be the weakest drawing champion in the UFC. Just look up the numbers you will see for yourself.
Having said all that. The thought that Dana is going to move him to the undercard is completely ludacris. Whoever Anderson Silva fights next is a golden spot of play David the in the battle against Goliath. Even Frank Mir would probably be seen as an underdog and would no doubt get an immense amount of support.
In short Anderson Silva didn't get the respect he deserved when he was earning it, and now he has most likely taken over Brock's spot as the UFC's number one heel, and I guarantee his next fight will draw big numbers. Millions who just want to see him fall.
And yes, I do think that's wrong. Despite the events of April 10th.
My two cents, BrianRClover
Now onto my point... what's wrong with this situation, and inevitable proof that will follow?
Over the past few years the UFC's champions have always served as the main draw. The biggest being Brock, and Randy was of course a big draw before that. GSP would be close second, and BJ Penn's pay per views were doing well too. Even Lyoto, who despite his great following in the MMA world, was a realitive unknown drew very solid numbers in his first defense against Shogun (of course having shogun didn't hurt either).
My point is, when Anderson first hit the scene... he was respectful to Leben, who was not respectful to him... he was very respectful to Franklin, and Marquardt... and throughout all of these dominating wins over top fighters he continued to be the weakest drawing champion in the UFC. Just look up the numbers you will see for yourself.
Having said all that. The thought that Dana is going to move him to the undercard is completely ludacris. Whoever Anderson Silva fights next is a golden spot of play David the in the battle against Goliath. Even Frank Mir would probably be seen as an underdog and would no doubt get an immense amount of support.
In short Anderson Silva didn't get the respect he deserved when he was earning it, and now he has most likely taken over Brock's spot as the UFC's number one heel, and I guarantee his next fight will draw big numbers. Millions who just want to see him fall.
And yes, I do think that's wrong. Despite the events of April 10th.
My two cents, BrianRClover