MMA Worldwide

Will the real Anderson "The Spider" Silva please stand up?

Posted by Deshalen Barber on the 5 August 2009 | View Comments

            Anderson Silva's claim to fame in the UFC has been from his take no prisoner mentality through a who's-who list of world class competition: Rich Franklin (2x), Dan Henderson, and James Irvin just to name a few. While other would-be challengers were so brutally beaten, many left the clash questioning if this sport really is for them. The irony is Silva's last two opponents have been anything but world class, yet his performance seemed to be stale in comparison to his several bouts prior.

            To make sure Silva is going to get pushed to his limits and not give another lackluster outing. Dana White has called upon the services of ex-light heavyweight titleholder Forrest Griffin.

            This UFC veteran considers himself to be a "dog" inside the cage. Clearly this is a huge understatement. As Forrest is not just a dog in the cage, rather his style falls more so along the lines of a savage beast out of Newport News, VA.

              Griffins gritty swagger has carried him through countless wars inside the steel cage. Whether it was his historic all-or-nothing TUF1 finale bout against Stephan Bonner, to his jaw dropping upset over then #1 ranked light heavyweight "Shogun" Rua, or even his gusty TKO loss to Rashad Evans. One thing is for certain; Forrest consistently produces gladiator-like fights fans love to see. Which is a touch Silva has been lacking in his recent fights.

            For any odd reason Silva does decide to recycle his conservative style as of late. He will find himself backed against the cage, trapped in a world of pain before waking up from dreamland. On the other hand, if the Thai clinching, skull fracturing, violent Anderson "The Spider" Silva of old shows up, have the paramedics and two stretchers ready at ringside, because both men will not believe in the "live to fight another day" motto.