Silva vs. Sonnen: Spider's Refreshing Display of Sportsmanship Deserves Applause

The only thing sweeter than revenge is rubbing it in after revenge.

Anderson Silva was in position to do just that following UFC 148. Instead, he showed sportsmanship, and under the given circumstances, it was quite surprising.

Like the vast majority of UFC fights, trash-talking preluded the bout, but Silva intensified his verbal assault of Chael Sonnen beyond the norm. While The Spider did go into the generic I'm-going-to-hit-you-so-hard-your-mother-will-feel-it rant, he didn't just take a shot at Sonnens toughness but his character as well.

Steven Marrocco of USA Today reported what Silva said going into the fight:

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"First of all, Chael is a criminal," Silva (31-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) said through translator and manager Ed Soares. "He's been convicted of crimes. He doesn't deserve to be inside the octagon. And when the time comes and the time is right, I'm going to break his face and break every one of his teeth in his mouth."

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Silva didn't literally dismantle Sonnen like he threatened to on Saturday, but he did record a TKO in the second round. Almost two years since their first bout, Silva had defeated Sonnen yet again, proving his superiority once and for all. The American Gangster was officially shut up.

What did Silva do after achieving the triumph that he had been patiently waiting for?

Now, I'd imagine that if I were in his position, my first reaction would be to stare Sonnen down, and then grab the mic and yell something like, "I told you all!"

But Silva, feeling merciful perhaps, didn't gloat on his victory.

Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times reported that in the Octagon, the same Octagon he said Sonnen didn't deserve to be in, Silva told his audience, "Show Chael we have manners. I want everyone to applaud Chael."

Now, from there, Silva could've easily followed that up by taking a shot at Sonnen's pride, but instead he told his rival, "If you'd like to have a barbecue at my house, I'd love to have you over."

It takes far more humility to resist rubbing in revenge than it does courage to kick a man when he’s down. Silva chose to show humility against Sonnen, and he should be applauded for it.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and is a syndicated writer.

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