Champion or Belt Holder

Big talk in the world of MMA as of late has been lingering on the bout between Silva and Weidman at UFC 162. For those who are unfamiliar, I'll just do a quick recap. Silva has been the undisputed Middleweight Champion for years now, and is arguably considered by many to be the greatest MMA champ of all time. Weidman is an up and coming fighter with an incredible record as well. Long story short, Weidman turned out Silva's lights in the second round to win the belt.

It was talked about during the bout, that UFC head Dana White said that Silva would have a guaranteed rematch if he lost. Something that's quickly been confirmed as the two are being scheduled to fight later this year at UFC 168. I have an issue with this.

While some will argue that he only lost because of his antics, I feel he should lose more. Taunting is one thing, but Silva not only disrespects his peers, he dishonors the sport of MMA. It wasn't that long ago, that he displayed this same antics. It talked trashed, pranced around the ring, and times even walking behind the ref and acting like they were a human shield. If you don't know the bout I'm referring to it's UFC 112 where Silva faced off with Demian Maia. Dana White was so embarrassed, he left before the fight was even over. It's the only time I can remember where he didn't give the strap to the champ himself. After the fight Silva offered up half-hearted apologies  for his behavior, claiming he wasn't himself. It was a lie then just as much as it is now. The guys just a jerk.

The difference this time, is that he got knocked out and lost the strap. While it should be a chance for him to finally learn some humility, it's more likely he's chalking it up as a fluke. In my opinion he should be fined for this behavior. Other sports do it. There's a point where it's too much, and the UFC needs to recognize this. In addition, since this is a repeated offense, Silva shouldn't get an immediate rematch. Instead, he should be pushed down the line and forced to wait. The man is an embarrassment and needs to learn that not only does the world not revolve around him, but what humility REALLY is. I can understand there being talk about a possible rematch initially. But once the fight was underway, that talk should have been shelved post hast.
Much like Brock Lesnar talking about going home and having sex with his wife post fight, Silva needs to be punished. End of story.

Now, had Silva taken the fight seriously, it would have been a different story. Instead, now Weidman has a questionable title win that could possibly be nothing but a stain on his career. Then again, he could prove to be a true champ. (Which I hope he does) On the same note, had Silva taken it seriously, he very well could still be the champ. As is, it is my opinion that we have a good caliber champ who won the strap in a fashion that only Vince McMahon would be happy with. And we have an ex-champ being spoon fed his matches in the hope that he can capitalize, get ratings, make new, and ultimately earn money, but is not a real champion, but a jerk that's been handed a number of garbage matches, with only a few real matches.

It is my hopes, that Weidman holds the title for at least a few fights to prove he is truly a champion, not just a fluke winner. And I hope that Silva not only loses in his rematch, but is knocked out again and forced into some fights that will truly test his mettle until he can become an actual champion (not just a belt holder) OR retires. There's just too much wrong with this situation that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.