UFC: Anderson Silva - Legacy Or Fallacy?
The start of the second round saw Silva dial up the clown act. He openly mocked Weidman, danced around, and continued to pretend to be bothered by Weidmans abilities. Unfortunately for Silva, he was toying with a fighter who wasnt the least bit deterred by his showmanship and also carried a heavy hand. After being caught with a left hook, Silva acted like he was rocked and wobbled his knees. Weidman pursued quickly with an erratic combination of punches. Silva bobbed, weaved, ducked, and then BAM. A Weidman left hook caught Silva square on the chin.
Silvas eyes rolled back, his legs gave out, and the living room erupted.
There was equal amounts cheering and shock. Hes not out, hes not out. Hes faking it, said the kid who trained BJJ. He couldnt believe what he saw, nor could most of the MMA world. It was Silvas first defeat in the UFC and the first KO loss of his entire career. In a matter of a few seconds, Anderson Silvas dominant UFC run was relegated to a moment of disrespect, where settling for a cheap trick resulted in a forfeit of a sure thing. The king was no longer such, his crown replaced by a Fools hat.
The post-fight interview conducted by Joe Rogan was a surreal moment as well. Silva was met with a chorus of Boos from the live crowd at the MGM Grand as he launched into a pseudo-retirement speech that read more like a cryptic apology than a curtain call. When Rogan asked about the taunting and showboating leading to the knockout Silva replied, I work hard for this fight. I respect my fans in UFC, the fans here tonight. I respect USA because my big dream is working. I changed my life and changed the life of my family because I live in the United States. Silva went on to thank everyone in the UFC, cited Weidman as the best now for becoming champion, and declined a rematch for the title. Silva stated that he would fulfill the remainder of his UFC contract, but he would not like to compete for a title any longer. It was as if there was a stench in the air. The magnitude of the title change was left in the shadow of this surprising revelation from the former champion. Yet, the moment felt more like a tired mans revelation. Silva was as somber as a sad clown. It was like the jig was up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj54WsLq-o4Criticism and speculation poured in following the fight with terms like fix and work being thrown around left and right. Dana White was quick to refute any of these claims at the post-fight press conference by noting, Thats the stupidest (expletive) thing Ive ever heard in my life. That is just stupid. White also noted that Silvas loss meant that any potential super fight, with either GSP or Jon Jones, were now entirely off the table. Theres a gamble associated with the way Silva chooses to use his talents and it has affected not only his image, but his wallet as well.
Dana White was then directly asked about the ramifications of the fight on Silvas legacy. White presented a sobering response. What hes done is amazing, the UFC President continued, Nobody has ever done what this man has done. Nobody has ever done it the way that he has done it and this doesnt do anything to his legacy. ..The stuff that he was doing, if he had done that stuff and won the fight, theyd be talking about what a genius is. He got clipped, he got caught. The line between strategy and disrespect is a rather blurred one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8zXWq1n3i8Click "next" below for part 5...