Wastrel

I just finished reading Esquire’s profile on Usain Bolt and it made me think of Anderson Silva and his recent performance in UFC 112.

I’ve watched the post-fight interview and I don’t believe any of it. Aside from some of the bad translation by his manager, the gist of what Anderson Silva said was that Demian Maia crossed some sort of line. A fight between two Brazilians commands a little more-than-average respect and Maia didn’t deliver.

Maybe Anderson believes this, but I don’t.

I think it’s simply that Anderson is bored. He’s dominated 185 and there is no one left that poses any threat. If he doesn’t knock out or submit someone in two rounds, he’s simply not interested. We’ve seen this happen last time he fought a Brazilian ground-gamer.

For prodigies like Usain Bolt and Anderson Silva, their talents are so much above their peers that they naturally give away less of their respect for that action. When this happens, the non-prodigies are always up in arms about the whole thing. They can’t believe these cocky, “new” kids aren’t acting in the same way the past greats did.

Usain Bolt’s dance after his performance in China may have been inappropriate to some and Anderson’s dancing in the ring in UFC 112 may have been viewed as show-boating by others. However, place a massive roadblock on one of these men’s doorstep and you will see their best performance. Once they give you that, you will view their dancing as well-deserved celebration.