What’s Anderson Silva to Do?

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If you’re an MMA fan, then you’re probably aware of the controversy surrounding Anderson Silva’s unanimous decision win over Damian Maia.  Dana White has repeatedly apologized for Silva’s performance and went on to say:

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more embarrassed in the ten years of being in this business.”

This is the third performance by Silva that has resulted in the same type of clowning and showboating.  Some are blaming the lack of competition for Silva in the middleweight division.  Others say Silva has an obligation to be serious and to finish fights.  Here’s my take on the situation:

  • If Silva is dissatisfied with the opponents available in the division, then move down or up a weight class.   To take a fight and then clown and showboat is disrespectful to his opponent and to the fans who paid to watch the fight.
  • If Silva is content to stay on his feet and strike, that is his choice.  He is the champion.  Silva is not obligated to go to the mat or change his style to make for a more exciting fight.  If Silva is content to win by decisions, to not finish fights, to keep himself out of dangerous situations, that is his right.  Fans may find the fights boring and decide not to buy his pay-per-views and that is their right.
  • Silva is a world class athlete.  He has been called the best pound-per-pound fighter in the world.  He may be, but if he continues to showboat and disrespect his opponents and fans, his popularity will take a nosedive.  He’ll be consider a world class, well, it won’t be athlete.

So what’s next for Anderson Silva?  Some say GSP.  Dana White said he’s not interested in that fight.  Chael Sonnen says he’d like a shot at Silva.  Michael David Smith at MMAFighting.com thinks Silva should move to heavyweight and give Frank Mir a try.  I wonder if Mir would want the opportunity? I really don’t care who Silva fights next as long as he gives it his best and leaves the showboating behind.