While he has dominated the UFC middleweight division for nearly five years, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has been one of the most successful fighters in mixed martial arts history, maybe too successful.
With every victory he adds to his record, Silva implements creative striking and flawless technique into his dynamic arsenal, complimenting his dangerous Muay Thai and ultimately cementing his status as the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighter.
As the Brazilian continues to prolong his career, and his winning streak, the overall competition he faces is not necessarily going to benefit his legacy over time while he remains in the 185-pound division. Realistically, the only formidable challenge that is left for the champion is a rematch with Chael Sonnen.
Despite the out-cry for a move to the light heavyweight division, Silva has refused to accept a bout with any of the contenders who are capable of giving him a competitive fight, including Jon Jones, who he considers a close friend.
It became apparent that Silva’s skill-set was vastly superior to his competition at 185 pounds, but it was more noticeable that he had the skill and talent to compete with some of the elite competitors at 205 pounds following his one-sided victory over Forrest Griffin at UFC 117.
However, Silva was reluctant to make the transition, and in turn, settled to face lesser competition.
Silva’s decision has frustrated fans and has left them feeling uncertain about what the future holds for “The Spider,” who continues to hold the middleweight division hostage at his own expense.
The idea of scheduling a super-fight between Silva and Georges St-Pierre appears to interest the Brazilian, but negotiations continue to be off and on. And with the champion unwillingly showing no interest in moving up to test his skills against more suitable challengers, fans are left scratching their heads in disbelief.
Although Silva has requested he wants bigger fights, there are no bigger fights than in the light heavyweight division. Whatever his reasoning for not making the move to 205 pounds, Silva will continue to demonstrate his abilities wherever he decides to compete.
But if Silva chooses to remain in a division, where his opponents are clearly overmatched, his bouts will continue to lack any appeal or interest from fans, and he will be seen as being one of the most underachieving talents in the history of mixed martial arts.
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