Anderson Silva's Antics: Dana White's Response Only Sweetens the Pot

That's the sound of an entire arena after an ill-advised Anderson Silva fight. 

That's the sound of Dana White after being made to look like a fool for booking such a fight. 

They say styles make fights, and even the always growing world of MMA is no exception.  Based on what history has told us, in the form of Thales Leites and Patrick Cote, Anderson Silva doesn't fight his Jui-Jitsu brethren.

Oh sure, he'll take the fight.  He'll attend the weigh in.  He'll shuffle to the octagon to the increasingly intimidating sounds of "Ain't no Sunshine" by DMX. 

But that's where it stops. 

There are many reasons, both competitively and personally, as to why Silva vs. Jui-Jitsu sucker is never intriguing television.  These reasons range from Anderson Silva strictly wanting to stay true to his instincts as a sriker, to Anderson Silva simply wanting better competition.  No matter what the reason is, MMA purists and fans alike are now in fits. 

"Anderson Silva is bad for MMA!" 

"Anderson Silva needs to apologize!"

"Anderson Silva is a disgusting human being!"

Stop it.

After the conclusion of round one of last Saturday's main event bout, an increasingly popular verdict, that Anderson Silva fights are boring, was about to become set in stone.  It should be noted that I think this verdict is both unfair and financially detrimental.

Then it got weird.

Anderson Silva began behaving like a child.  Silva openly mocked Maia and as he obnoxiously and intentionally evaded contact with this upstart Brazilian Jui-Jitsu black belt.

It also should be noted that Anderson Silva doesn't speak English very well, so I'm assuming this was simply his way of communicating with UFC President Dana White. 

Translation?  "Give me a fight worth training for!"

Silva was being a jerk.  Silva was disrespecting his craft.  Silva was being obnoxious.  People paid money to see this.  Dare I say: Silva turned heel (or as my MMA brethren pronounces it, "asshole"). 

Now you care.   

Now, this middleweight marketing tool goes from "boring" to "I wanna see him get his ass kicked!"  Interesting.  The latter disparaging remark sounds very similar to sentiments often directed towards Brock Lesnar.  You know, Brock Lesnar?  The "bad guy" who helped draw over a million buys in the main event of UFC 100? 

Boring doesn't sell fights.  Hate does. 

This new found hatred towards Anderson Silva was facilitated by emotionally irrational remarks made by Dana White at the ensuing press conference.

"The main event was an embarrassment.  I have never seen a more embarrassing main event.  That was the first time I walked out of a main event and gave the belt to the manager and told him to put the belt on his champion." [MMA Torch ]

Not much wrong with that commentary.  Although the irrational emotion kicked in right about the time when Dana White went as far as to say that the GSP/Silva superfight, which said to be in the works during the UFC 112 broadcast, won't happen.  Why?  Because Anderson Silva doesn't deserve the fight. 

Now we get to see Silva/Sonnen, likely on free TV.  To me, this is just part of a build up to a much bigger plans.  Plans that the UFC will be sorry they screwed up should the unthinkable happen with a Sonnen victory.

Speaking out, strictly based on emotion to the impairment of what makes sense for business, has become a staple with the otherwise bold UFC President.  This staple, in part, has inspired UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta to assist Dana White in a more hands-on role in recent years.  Fertitta's influence  ensures that what's best for business wins out. 

Translation?  Let the countdown begin.

GSP vs. Anderson Silva is a fight that sells itself.  Two dominant champions at the peak of their careers do battle.  Perfect.  Safe.  Sounds good to me. 

Yet after Anderson Silva's "despicable" actions at UFC 112, the dynamics of the fights have changed drastically.  Should Silva once again prove his dominance against White's upstart Asshole-killer in Chael Sonnen, this further sweetens the deal.  The above mentioned dry sales pitch will evolve:

"Asshole" Anderson Silva's ego has grown out of control!  Watch as UFC's White Knight, Lord and Savior George St. Pierre attempts to save the world from an Ego gone wrong before it's too late!  Silva!  St. Pierre!  Frenchie saves the day (for once)!

Epic.  Spectacular.  I have to have it.  God bless Lorenzo Fertitta.

Let this be a lesson in booking 101.  The world needs heroes and villains.  In large part, that's how civilization was built.  The heroes journey is rendered meaningless without opposition designed to test his mettle.  Meaningless is boring.  People don't want boring. 

UFC has found it's newest villain.  His language barrier once served as a disadvantage when it came to building up a fight,  but Anderson Silva didn't need English to send his latest message.

Trust me, UFC officials got the message loud and clear. 

At the UFC 112 press conference, after continuing his verbal rampage directed towards Anderson Silva, Dana White vowed he would make it up to the fans.  You wanna know how to make it up to me, Dana?  GSP vs. Silva.  That's how. 

I got Anderson in round three via submission.  In case you can't tell, I always liked the bad guys.  The only "heroes" I root for are my parents.