Anderson Silva Admits He Took Being Champion For Granted ‘A Little Bit’
Legendary former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has received a ton of criticism in the nearly six months that have eclipsed since his historic UFC 162 loss to Chris Weidman.
Much of it centered on Silva’s nonchalant attitude in the bout. It seemed like he wasn’t taking Weidman seriously, continuously clowning “The All-American.”
He paid the ultimate price for it when he was floored with a second round knockout.
Many thought Silva was simply done being champion at 38-years old, and even “The Spider” first denied a rematch with Weidman. However, Silva was quick to change his tune a few days later. He’ll have his chance at redemption when he squares off with Weidman again in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 168.
Silva has said that he’s “back,” but that remains to be seen. He recently met up with MMAJunkie.com to admit that he may have taken being champion for granted:
“Maybe a little bit. The last fight is in the past,” Silva said. “I’m really looking forward to this next fight, and everything is going to be different. Obviously we made a few changes. When you see a mistake, you’ve got to get back and see what that mistake is and change a few things. But like I said, that’s in the past, and everything is going to be different from now on.”
Those are some humble words from a legend who is sometimes regarded as egotistical and arrogant. The truth is that Silva made an illustrious career off of mugging top-level fighters the same way he did Weidman. “The Spider” is choosing to focus on the present rather than relive his mistakes, and that’s probably the best point of view to take.
Will that translate into success in the blockbuster headlining bout of UFC 168? There haven’t been too many UFC title bouts with so many fans on both sides of the fence. There are millions who think Silva will put aside the antics to regain his belt in triumphant fashion, while many others think that his day in the sun has passed.
Which side are you on?
