Josh Gross: Anderson Silva Wants to Fight at Heavyweight
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 3:34 PM EDT
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File this under the crazy section. Josh Gross says that Anderson Silva wants to fight at heavyweight, and has a certain opponent in mind:
Anderson Silva wants big-money event fights. And he's willing to work at heavyweight to make sure they happen.
Not only that, they already had an opponent in mind: Frank Mir.
Disinterested by middleweight contenders Nathan Marquardt, Demian Maia and Dan Henderson, and unwilling to fight close friend Lyoto Machida at light heavyweight -- where Silva could conceivably knock off challengers and make a disaster out of the UFC's marquee division -- "The Spider" needs new, challenging scenarios to stay motivated. A move to heavyweight would certainly achieve that, and according to Silva's manager Ed Soares, the UFC was receptive to the idea.
There is a bit of logic to the move; Anderson Silva won't fight Lyoto Machida, so having him tear through the 205 division makes no sense. He's a little bit smaller than Randy Couture, though without a wrestling background his size will be a liability at heavyweight. I actually think that if they go this route a fight with Randy makes a lot more sense from a business and sports perspective.
I don't really like all the weight class jumping, especially two classes. Brock Lesnar vs. Anderson Silva? It sounds more like a freakshow fight than a marquee title match, though it would undoubtedly do huge business, and you could argue that Anderson is about the same size as Randy. It just strikes me as a little galling to ask the UFC to jump through all these hoops to keep their champion motivated.
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Damn Anderson just cut to 170 and fight at 4 weight classes simultaneously lol.
On a serious note that would cement his P4P claim if he beats a legit hw. Not that mir isn’t but to me mir doesn’t offer anything other then maybe size striking goes to Anderson and yes mir bjj is top notch but will Anderson let it get to the floor?
My first thought was Anderson vs mirko
"What do you want from me?..... A Slap?"
by xtremecouture on Aug 20, 2009 3:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Nope.. Just rethink the Mir vs. Vera fight...
That’s how the Anderson fights ends..
A vicious left straight on the button followed by a quick smashing and Mir goes down and out..
I think he knows Mir isn’t that good and he can beat him. Plus Mir doesn’t use his size that much anyway.
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
by thetakeover on Aug 20, 2009 8:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
agreed…not at the top of my “want to see” list. It’s an interesting fight, but if he’s going to try to face a heavyweight I’d rather it be a guy like Randy or something. Mir isn’t the biggest heavyweight, but he’ll still have a significant weight advantage. Randy at least will come in at 225 or so, which is a little closer to Anderson’s walk around weight.
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Fine, go to another weight class but let the MW strap go. It’s not fair for all the other MW contenders out there who have to wait for Silva to jump around.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Aug 20, 2009 3:30 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd
I said the same when BJ fought GSP. if you are going to fight outside your division, give up the belt – it’s only fair to the others.
That said, I hope he gives up the belt and keeps bouncing around divisions and making interesting fights :)
The problem is they need him to be champion to keep that champion’s clause operable.
It’s a tricky situation. What they should do is tell him they’ll do this only if he signs a major contract extension and drops the belt.
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
but at the same time, can you really consider anyone else a true middleweight champ, if they’re only in that position because he’s abandoned the belt?
It didn’t hurt Tito’s credibility as LHW (or I guess it was Middleweight back then?) champ, after he beat Wandy to take the title when Frank Shamrock “retired.”
i’m probably too new to the sport to have the proper perspective, but i would think silva’s title run has been more dominant than frank’s, considering the era and level/depth of competition. but you certainly have a point.
nope
Frank’s title run was a sweep thru a who’s who of the division. Wandy reigned much longer and earned Hall of Fame honors with his title run but it was dotted with Japanese cans, undersized opponents, non-title fights, and a couple of dubious decisions.
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that’s what i’m sayin’. if they do a fight for the open title between two guys he’s already beaten, it’s gonna be cheapened somewhat. plus, i can’t imagine him dropping the belt and ONLY fighting at heavyweight.
I understand the concerns, but the belt is just a symbol anyway. What’s it matter if Anderson holds the middleweight belt and isn’t defending it more than once or twice a year. Unless someone really presents themself as a huge threat, then let’s just have good fights. I don’t mind Anderson jumping around for big fights, as long I’m convinced that no one out there has more than a pretty slim chance against him.
by Kwisatz Haderach on Aug 21, 2009 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Well for a while there
it seemed like he was losing interest in MMA. He’s still very interested in his boxing match with RJJ… Maybe it’s a plan to get a release from the UFC after he completes his fights. SMART.
by poundnground on Aug 20, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I guarantee Mir will pound out Silva
Guarantee, Guarantee, Guarantee, Silva will lose. If fat Lesner can lay Mir with no skill, what do you think a 250 Pound Frank Mir will do to a chubby Silva? I will answer the question for you…Destroy Him!
MirJitsu4Life
by MirJitsu4Life on Aug 20, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions
fat Lesner can lay Mir with no skill
I am pretty sure the takedowns, hip control in half guard, and wicked piston punches he utilized constitutes skill, but what do I know.
what do you think a 250 Pound Frank Mir will do to a chubby Silva?
I highly doubt Silva will be drilling McDonald’s to put on weight. The man is a professional who walks around in the 215-220 lb range. A 30 lb weight differential is big, but not insurmountable. Anderson’s elusiveness precludes the fact that Mir won’t land anything substantial in the standup game. It comes down to whether Mir can get him down. I think Mir will probably utilize the Vera/Lesnar gameplan: attack Silva’s fists with his face.
I highly doubt Silva will be drilling McDonald’s to put on weight.
by mythbuster on Aug 20, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Invictus
30 pounds is huge and that 30 pounds lesner had on Mir was huge. It’s always funny to talk about Mir Losses but nobody talks about his wins: Nog, BROCK, Sims. It’s OK he is the man that holds a win over Brock…Whoooo Whoooo Whoooo!
by MirJitsu4Life on Aug 21, 2009 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
So, a fat guy with no skill beat Mir, but you think that one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world will lose to him so convincingly that you guarantee it?
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by Richard Wade on Aug 20, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
:O
wHaT?!?!
Keep firing Assholes!
Romans, be it your duty to rule the nations with imperial sway … to impose the rule of peace, to spare the humbled and crush the proud.
Silva could probably handle most of the guys at HW because of his superhuman striking abilities, but I would think that a good wrestler, especially a big one, would be able to control him too easily. As long as they could take a punch or two coming in for the takedown, they’d be able to stay heavy and gnp for the win.
I think Couture would make for an interesting fight just because Randy is a small HW. I’ve said before that I think Silva could take on Fedor as a HW, I think he is going to prove me right (as far as competing as a HW is concerned).
But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick - Proverbs 10:13
I simply find it comical that he wants Mir.
He wants a guy who has the perception of great striking because he beat Nog with it, but really… Mir’s striking isn’t that great at all.
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by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
either way, im sure the logic is Forrest can hang with Mir (even beat him up if those black and blues were from Forrest) and after whooping Forrest, Mir shouldnt be an issue.
Yeah, but that was in regards to Lesnar.
Mir’s plan would be to put Silva down any way possible, and use his size/strength advantage on the ground to submit him. I’d say via leg submissions most likely. Can he get it there? Probably not.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
so its obvious that Mir needs to dedicate 6 months to wrestling training
and problem solved in either case
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, I don’t think that even helps.
I basically believe that someone would have to be reckless as all hell to beat Silva. Just run out there, go absolutely lunatic for a takedown and hope they don’t get blasted into unconsciousness, then maintain control on the floor and submit.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I would take on Silva… With a flaming spear and a chainmaille suit.
by Screwface on Aug 20, 2009 5:27 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This kind of strategy would never beat Silva.
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Sure it would.
If Brock Lesnar took on Anderson Silva, this plan would crush him. Silva wouldn’t be able to deal with that size.
Anybody else that is comparable to Silva in size isn’t going to beat him with any other gameplan. Everybody thinks Couture is going to work some sort of magical gameplan of fencing Silva and punishing him… which won’t work because I have a feeling Couture gets crushed trying to wade in Silva’s reach. Noone will beat him trying to wade into him.
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by Leland Roling on Aug 21, 2009 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
The plan wouldn’t be the reason he wins though. Lesnar’s 50+ pounds of muscle would be the deciding factor. And there would certainly be just as efficient if not better strategies to win.
Maybe you and I have a different idea of what “reckless as hell” is though.
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I think
Mir’s ego supersedes his game plan. He convinces himself he can strike with Anderson (like he did with Lesnar after the Nog fight) and tries to box/flying knee anderson since that almost worked against brock
If it leads to another step back highligt reel knockout....
…then sign me up!
by black dragon on Aug 21, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
By the way, Silva’s camp/managers are notorious inside the UFC for knowing nothing about what will draw. I’m sure they think Frank Mir is this big huge fight because they don’t understand the business.
If they’re risking their champion in another weight class, it has to be for a mega fight against a big star (like the one against Forrest). The only upside to this business wise is if Mir wins he’d be rehabbed for a Lesnar trilogy, and of course Anderson winning has a lot of options.
I think Couture would be a gigantic fight, and serve the same purpose. It also is a lot more intriguing than Mir who would probably be knocked out early.
Agreed I can say Anderson toying with franks improved stand up lol.
Make winner of Nate vs Maia fight hendo for interim strap. In the mean time let Anderson build up a lhw or hw fight only to go back and defend his title.
Still I don’t know why nobody seems to be more stoked for mirko vs Anderson instead of mir especially if mirko dismantles dos Santos. Two phenomenal strikers.
Or better yet sign Anderson to fight Randy which is basically the biggest fight possible for Anderson
"What do you want from me?..... A Slap?"
by xtremecouture on Aug 20, 2009 3:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I would definitely watch it and be excited for Anderson-Cro Cop but in his last few fights Cro Cop has looked a lot slower and more plodding than he used to. I wouldn’t know who to pick in his prime but the way he is now Anderson by TKO in the first round.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
If Mirko has a good showing against Dos Santos and comes out looking like the Cro Cop from a few years ago, I could see that being a great fight.
But then we’d see Silva’s true greatness when he catches Mirko’s left high kick with one hand goes James Irving on his ass.
But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick - Proverbs 10:13
OR...
They think Mir is a fight they could win rather easily standing, and want a fight in which he can destroy a HW with a name to build Anderson as a legitimate threat to other HWs. I could see this as having potential as well.
After all, Mir has this ridiculous hype around him in regards to his stand-up by some fans because he beat Nog with it.
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by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I bet he doesn't even dream to fight at HW
The dude walks at 215, he won’t be in shape for HW me thinks. Ed Soares just like to have all the attention going towards him, I really am reluctant to trust anything that comes from his mouth anymore. having said that, Anderson trains a lot of wrestling as of late, he may not be on par with the likes of Randy or Brock (obviously, not even close), but he does train. and I wouldn’t count him out against someone like brock, as long as he is able to stay on the feet, I say goodnight brock…
Let’s see how he looks against Big Nog first. I dunno, I think Randy is finished.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Aug 20, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Is there any reason you believe this?
I agree we need to wait and see, but it’s one thing to say a guy is finished based on actually looking like a shot fighter (Nog, Chuck), but a whole different thing to say it when he looked just as good as ever in his last fight.
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he is finished as in his best fights are behind him. I don’t really see him ever getting gold again. His face lit up when an interviewer asked him about Machida one time but I don’t even think he would beat him either. Still cool to see him out there though.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on Aug 20, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think he’ll become champion again either. I still think he has the skill and ability to give a lot of guys problems. We’ll see in 10 days where he stands.
Unfortunately it’s a fight with two legends and all people can focus on is how the loser should retire. The reality of fights like this is someone has to lose, fans focus on the negative side of big fights too much.
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Randy vs. Machida
I actually find this fight pretty interest. Randy makes every fight interesting because he’s always in it and he’s pulled so many upsets.
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
Machida would beat Randy
But Randy could probably beat Anderson.
Randy finished?
Personally, I was thinking the same thing about Big Nog. We’ll see whose right in two weeks.
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
Curious
What will that prove? How will the winner of two guys who might be finished prove that one of them isn’t?
I’m not being sarcastic, I honestly don’t know what this fight proves (realistically speaking) other than which one of them will win.
What month is 106 going to be? Because if Brock fights at 106 what’s in store for their NY card? Gsp vs swick/kampman? Curious since bj wants to fight so soon what is there left at the time? I would want Brock on my years biggest show as he was for ufc 100
"What do you want from me?..... A Slap?"
by xtremecouture on Aug 20, 2009 3:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They don’t need him on the year end show, it did huge last year without him. GSP is around, BJ is around, Anderson is around, Randy is around…they have plenty for a year end show. It makes sense to have Brock elsewhere because that show will do big regardless.
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Your right. Anderson basically can fight today after being unscathed by Forrest, bj wants Diego in 2 months and I don’t see gsp vs swick/kampman being a huge headlining draw, lyoto vs rua at ufc 104 with no clear cut challenger until rampage and rashad throw down. The title picture for all divisions is hazy to me
"What do you want from me?..... A Slap?"
by xtremecouture on Aug 20, 2009 3:50 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
My guess is the year end show looks like this:
BJ vs. Diego
Anderson’s heavyweight fight.
Maybe GSP vs. Swick
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Would BJ want to fight in Nevada on that show?
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
He’s gotta break on that shit eventually.
I’m sure the promise of millions on a new years show might help him change his mind.
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
what’s his reasoning for now wanting to fight in vegas? and i was hoping they’d do his next title defense in hawaii… but maybe they’re saving that for the god damn gsp fight he keeps asking for.
Because the NSAC didn’t act on “Greasegate”.
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by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s a shitty year end card, IMO.
GSP vs. Swick/Kampmann is a beatdown, just like Thiago in my opinion, and I still don’t understand the hype around Diego. Is he supposed to outbox BJ and then wrestle him to the floor?
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Let's ask Diego shall we?
Apparently so!
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 20, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
GSP vs. anyone but a complete wrestler is a beatdown
And as much as i LOVE diego, you’re right, his striking isn’t THAT unbelievable… I actually think Maynard would probably beat him right now.
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Well...
I do want to see Swick get owned, so I guess I’ll enjoy that.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
The only two fights i want to see with GSP now are him vs. Nick Diaz, and then him vs. Condit after Condit has a few wins. Brock Larson will probably be in the picture soon enough too
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you kidding?
Diaz’s kryptonite has always been top controlling wrestlers. Diaz would probably avoid that fight at all costs. Condit… he needs to get vastly better though.
Larson looks great against subpar competition, but he could get wrecked. But.. his potential could flourish as he is in Minnesota with all those wrestlers. Ya never know, I suppose.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I know I'm kidding myself
But i’m a huge Diaz fan. You’re right though, he would very easily lose because he cannot stop takedowns.
Condit is superbly well rounded and works out with the Arizona crew of dollaway, varner, bader… so he’s definately trying to work on his wrestling
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, Arizona Combat Sports…
I don’t know. Dolloway hasn’t really perfected his transition of wrestling well, and he works more for submissions from his wrestling base than actually top control punishment. I just see GSP burying Condit in top control.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Its kind of annoying, but GSP is going to bury EVERYONE in top control. If he beat up the arguably #2 and #3 WWs in the world in Fitch and Alves THAT convincingly, i don’t think anyone stands a chance until he gets older. He won’t stand and trade anymore after the serra fight unless he’s completely confident they can’t hit him with a power shot.
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I think a power grappler could give him problems, but I don’t see any of those at Welterweight. A guy with top notch jiu jitsu with Filho’s strength would be ideal, but… then again.. he could just punch them out before that even happens.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions
For all the talk of cerebral gameplans, I think it basically boils down to fighting people where they’re weak. While it’s usually easier said than done, it seems for GSP to be just as easy to do as to say.
yeah after the 94 win over Penn where he broke down scientifically his game plan, it appeared he was pretty unbeatable
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
definately an irritating matchup, but fantastic to watch. I doubt Kampmann or Swick would beat Alves or Fitch, so the whole #1 contender this is BS.
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I have been telling all my MMA friends the same thing. They all think Diego is going to come in and demolish BJ. How is he going to do that?
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
You’re kidding me, right?
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=diego+sanchez+stevia
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Your right. Anderson basically can fight today after being unscathed by Forrest, bj wants Diego in 2 months and I don’t see gsp vs swick/kampman being a huge headlining draw, lyoto vs rua at ufc 104 with no clear cut challenger until rampage and rashad throw down. The title picture for all divisions is hazy to me
"What do you want from me?..... A Slap?"
by xtremecouture on Aug 20, 2009 3:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Mir also is a K-1 level striker according to some fans.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I should also say that for all Anderson talks about wanting challenges, he is handpicking the biggest name heavyweight that poses the least challenges for him. This is a guy Forrest Griffin beats up badly in practice.
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Exactly!
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Personally, I like to see a fighter stick to a weight class and dominate it. Even if that means a few rematches before a new contender emerges. Fighting random fights at certain weight classes does nothing for me. i didn’t mind the Silva/Griffin fight as a one off, get the crowd back on Silva’s side sort of thing…. But he needs to pick a division, and fight long term in it.
Anderson is one of the best fighters in the world but if he had a round against Brock like he did against Hendo he would be a spider smashed on the end of a newspaper.
"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass. I told him a year ago. I pulled it out of him and I beat him over the head with it." Brock Lesnar
and thats why anderson wants that fight too.. its a challange!
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And what happens if Dos Santos or Big Nog become contenders at HW?
Dana is slowly becoming right about the problem with teamates not willing to face each other.
People Anderson wont fight because of friendships:
HW: Big Nog and Dos Santos
LHW:Lil Nog, Machida, and Cavalcante
MW: Paulo Filho, Jacaré
And I’m sure there are more but those are the big ones
Forcing teammates to fight one another would open up all sorts of cans of worms. It’s unfortunate for us fans sometimes, but I think it would be a mistake to try to force it.
Dana made them do it on TUF, he probably thinks he can make them do it for real
But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick - Proverbs 10:13
on TUF ppl aren’t friends, they know each other for what? three weeks at most? these ppl have been friends with the spider for years, that’s friendship, it’s not acquaintances. Beside, try to force these ppl to fight each other, do any of you really think both fighters will come at each other at 100%? I wouldn’t want to see them fight, because it probably won’t be a legit fight…
There have been fights on TUF between long-time teammates. Though you are correct that the most famous TUF bromance (Rashad-Jardine) was cultivated on the show.
from last seasons prelims...
“Mark Miller defeats Kevin Knabjian, his teammate from home, by TKO (punches) at 1:59 of the second round.”
that sucked so bad
because that guy kevin was going to win by tko and instead felt mercy and tried to get the sub
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn't watch last season
but if I understood you correctly, perhaps their friendship got in the way of them going at it 100% against each other. Which I think would be even worse between Anderson and someone else from his camp. Brazilians are way more defensive when it comes to friendships, I just don’t see them having a legit fight between each other.
yeah, i mean if you didn’t see the fight, he looked completely tentative to strike, finally started to in the second round, and put down Mark… then he tried to go for a leg lock of some variety, lost control, and later lost to tko… it looked pretty devastating for him
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
If you're on TUF ...
you don’t get to call your own shots. Anderson Silva has a bit more pull than that.
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
by thetakeover on Aug 20, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He probably can...
He could make a huge example out of someone legally.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, if a guy is going up a weight class, you can’t ask him to fight his friend, since he’s already putting himself at a disadvantage. And at MW, the belt he holds, neither Filho or Jacare are in the UFC anyway so those fights won’t happen regardless.
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
Anderson Silva's Next Big Challenge:
Throw him in the Octagon with a big, pissed-off lion. I put Silva as a 3:1 favorite.
But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick - Proverbs 10:13
Silva by tail-lock or paw-bar, round 2.
Walla walla walla I'm an idiot.
by ufc4 on Aug 20, 2009 4:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
he needs to at least hold the light-heavy weight belt first.
"I am not impressed by your per-formence!" -GSP
So..
We could potentially see Silva destroy 3 weight classes and some of the UFC top draws before he goes to box against Roy Jones Jr? Interesting if they allow him to do that.
Even you should know better than that Charlie Brown.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on Aug 20, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
They’d obviously make him sign an extension or get some kind of assurance. You’d think you would understand how the UFC works by now.
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
For sure…
They’d give him an option. Fight at Heavyweight, but re-sign, or fight at Middleweight as champion.
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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I think they are going to stick with letting him alternate between MW title defenses and superfights outside of the MW division. I doubt we’ll see him make a full-time switch to HW.
Also, when the money begins to roll in from these superfights, I don’t see Silva leaving UFC. He stands to make far more money fighting one-off fights at LHW and HW. Rampage and Couture are two examples of cash cow matchmaking that would entice him to stick around.
I’m not really convinced he’s looking for more money, I just think he wants to box to prove himself that he can. It’s more about pride than greed IMHO.
this.
I think he feels a little disrespected by Dana and the UFC fans too, for booing him, so i don’t think he’ll resign immediately with the UFC if at all.
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
which he can get
by signing ridiculous contracts with competing orgs
by Austin Martin on Aug 20, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Wait, I thought he was out to fight the best? He can’t pull that card and sign a ridiculous contract with a lesser org with vastly inferior talent.
I think he wants to fight the biggest, highest grossing fights he can. Those are all in the UFC.
He can make way more than millions fighting in the UFC if he draws well, and if he can’t draw well in the UFC, he isn’t going to draw well in boxing, so he won’t be getting many millions there.
I doubt that, fighting RJJ should give him a good buck regardless of drawing power, and boxing promoters will try to make that fight happen because they’d try to prove a point regarding boxing being more technical than MMA. and anderson can’t draw that much in MMA, but who wouldn’t want to see what happens in that fight? Boxing fans and MMA fans alike would be watching.
So the people that don’t care about him in MMA are going to tune in?
And the people in boxing that hate mma are going to pay him millions to prove a point?
There’s going to be money there, but I honestly don’t think there’s a way in hell that he can get more for that 1 fight than he could fighting in the UFC for the next few years.
“for the next few years”. That’s the point. If you were him wouldn’t you take a one night payday even if you could make more in the next 3 years? There is just too many risks in MMA. Maybe he gets injured? Maybe someone lands another flying heel hook? There is just too many variables in the sport not to take the immediate big pay day.
hardcore mma fans will tune in (the same ppl that tune in now to watch him fight), casual fans probably won’t. now, boxing fans will tune in to fight, casual fans included. that’s a lot of ppl watching, and I just can’t picture RJJ getting 20 mil while the spider would get hundreds of thousands. it would have to be at least 5 mil. and yes, promoters will always try to prove a point (see DW vs Fedor).
If he gets $10 million, it might be worth it for him. How many fight would it take in the UFC to get that?
And who knows, maybe with the MMA-Boxing angle we could get De La Hoya numbers, in which case Anderson would be looking at $15-20 mil.
anderson just doesn't strike me as someone who's greedy
he strikes me as someone who is very confident and wants to prove himself. he came from a very humble place in Brazil, he’s rich now and he’s got all the money he needs to live the rest of his life at peace, going after RJJ in his backyard and sport has got to do more with pride than greed. this is not rampage we’re talking about. even though silva may be seen as a bit arrogant nowadays, he has always been humble. anyways, that’s just how I see it. watch he finish his next three fights and resign, even if they throw him the Fedor deal…
I don’t believe he is greedy either. But looking for high paying fights and looking for top competition are not mutually exclusive. I believe both are important to him.
This.
I don’t think he is greedy, but he is not a Shaolin monk who has taken a vow of poverty either. He’s a smart guy and he knows that his income has been limited by the lack of compelling matchups in the MW division. There is nothing wrong with a guy looking out for #1.
Don’t believe the hype.
Anderson was unhappy because his PPV numbers were terrible and it was hurting his paycheck. He wanted bigger fights in order to bump up his pay. Same as Couture when he came back.
I agree with this
Anderson Silva isn’t Lyoto Machida. AS is extremely arrogant and cocky. The ‘martial-arts respect’ he does is just for show.
He wants the money as well. Big time.
I agree, if he can’t defend the belt he should give it up. But should he be forced to sign an extension to his contract if he decides to go up in weight as Leland suggests?
If he moves up, the UFC’s more than welcome to strip him of the title.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
I doubt they allow him to move up and vacate his title if he is not going to agree to some sort of contract extension. Allowing him to do that, and leave while his value is high is not the way Zuffa works. He’ll either retain his belt and fight occasional one-off fights outside of MW, or come to terms on an extension and make a permanent move up.
So Anderson’s choices are “stay with the UFC” or “stay with the UFC?” I think he should just retire then, and have Zuffa attempt to prove that boxing=MMA, at the same time that they argue that the Muhammad Ali Act doesn’t apply to them.
That is an option. Of course this is all contingent on whether or not Anderson wants to press the issue. Just knowing the way Zuffa operates, they won’t agree to anything that essentially “shortens” his contract. They tend to play hardball.
So what are they going to do if he were to only want fights at LHW/HW and refuse any at MW?
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
However none so transparent and yet still pretending they aren’t.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
mmm dunno
I don’t name names but I can think of a couple people here that are as pro-UFC as he is anti-UFC.
But do they claim not to be?
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Aug 21, 2009 6:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Anderson Silva vs. Frank Mir on Spike the same night Fedor makes his Strikeforce debut?
by SanDiegoMMA.net on Aug 20, 2009 4:19 PM EDT reply actions
Since Kongo and Mir is set for 107, who would you rather they pull from that fight to face Anderson Silva?
by SanDiegoMMA.net on Aug 20, 2009 5:07 PM EDT reply actions
What does Mir stand to gain from taking this fight? He’s not a PPV draw on his own and neither is Silva, so the money won’t be astronomical and until Silva commits to fighting HW exclusively, even if he does pull out a win, it doesn’t do anything to help him get back into title contention. Conversely, if he loses, he’s way the hell down the ladder even if Silva goes on to make a run at HW.
Also, even though the arguments against would be the same, I’d rather see the Spider vs. Cro Cop.
Actually, I thought the same thing. Why would Mir take this fight unless he’s paid insane money?
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Aug 20, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
He’d be paid well, and my guess is it may just get him another title shot if he won. You can make all the purist arguments you want, beating Anderson Silva is the kind of thing that skyrockets you at any weight.
by Michael Rome on Aug 20, 2009 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It would help reinflate Mir’s ego
But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick - Proverbs 10:13
Imagine what would happened to Mir’s ego if he’d actually won.
Mir now strikes like K1 fighter, moves like MW, thinks like Sun Tzu, if he would somehow beat Silva, his head would explode
by dancingChicken on Aug 20, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions
“You stop eating my goddamn strawberries!”
by DirtyML on Aug 20, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
I don’t know what’s worse the delusion of Silva or his fans, now he thinks he can take Mir because he beat Forrest at LHW wtf?. Mir would rape him, he’s 250 lbs legit HW who is a bjj wiz who would take down Andy and rip one of his limbs off this guy truly has lost his mind and needs a reality check asap.
right
you’re talking about Mir, a true 250 lbs legit HW (be real) who was quoted saying that he got owned by Maia’s jits, you know, the dude that is a legit 185 lbs MW… makes you wonder who is the real delusional here…
That was in grappling...
Come on now. You have been around here long enough to know the difference.
'He built his whole reputation as a waffle house chef. They’ve been serving him up ham and eggs with a side of canned tomatoes' - Don Frye on Fedor Emelianenko
by Well Read Idiot on Aug 21, 2009 6:41 AM EDT up reply actions
UFC won’t be jumping through any hoops. Anderson is the best, he wouldn’t necessarily beat Lesnar but he would pose legitimate problems for a lot of heavyweights. Not to mention what the UFC would gain from him fighting at heavyweight. They would make a lot of money on PPv’s and if he lost it would also knock him down a peg or two, just like St. Pierre did to BJ Penn! If Anderson got crushed by a heavyweight he would be as motivated as ever to make amends, either that or just man up and admit that it’s too much for him and stick to middleweight and light heavy!
Wow, is it just me or am I seeing a lot of new names commenting on this post?
A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who
I would be one of them.
I’ve never posted on forums or blogs before, because it always seems like the posters degenerate into a bunch of monkeys throwing poo at each other. I’d lurked around BE for awhile and decided to hop on because of the intelligent debate that goes on. So don’t throw poo on me, please.
Again the Mir hate just boggles the mind sometimes people really can’t be driking the Silva kool-aid that much can they?. Mir is bigger, stronger, has better bjj and unless he take a cue from his Vera fight leaving his chin open and not respecting Anderson’s striking skills he would work over Anderson in the first there are divisions for a reason.
I’m a huge Mir fan, but I don’t like this match-up for him at all. He has a distinct advantage on the ground, but Silva’s striking is on a different level than most guys. Losing to Vera was a combination of coming back to early and leaving himself open, but Vera was a guy that shouldn’t have even been fighting HW, whereas Silva’s striking is near the top of LHW and up there for a HW, even with the size he’s giving up.
I don’t think it’s an automatic loss, but seeing as he stands to gain very little and lose a lot, and it’s a more challenging match-up than a lot of HW match-ups, I don’t get why he’d want to take the fight. If he was in Couture’s position, and a loss wouldn’t really tank his career, it would be cool to see, but not at this point.
The problem is that Mir is slow, awful on his feet, and has next to no ability to get Silva down on his own accord.
Twitter: @Mike_Fagan_13
http://www.sackmikegoldberg.com
Damn BJ's gotten dark...
… Oh, wait.
Well, we all know how well fighting in multiple weight classes ended up working for Penn…
(Penn’s fought at lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, and Lyoto Machida at an open-weight; for those who didn’t know.)
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