‘Spider’ Silva Renews Heavyweight Hopes

Anderson Silva’s greatest opponent remains apathy: the longtime middleweight champion told media this week that he plans on seeking out challenges one or two divisions above his lanky 185-pound frame in the future.

“Heavyweight is definitely something I have in mind,” he said. “It’s in my plans. I’ve been adapting my training and ever-changing to take on that challenge.”

The difference between Silva, who is pro-active in testing his abilities, and someone like Tito Ortiz -- who refused to fight even a weary Ken Shamrock an ounce above 205 pounds -- is remarkable, and we should be appreciative Silva is not so protective of his legacy that he’s content to pick off stray contenders in his natural class. But the UFC already punctured Silva’s desire to fight Frank Mir several months ago; Lyoto Machida’s desire to face Brock Lesnar at some point is also likely to be shuffled off.

It’s smart business, but it’s also too bad. Because of their talent monopoly, the UFC has a legitimate chance of creating a linear pound-for-pound great of the era. Georges St. Pierre could fight Silva; Silva could compete at 205 pounds, or above; Fedor Emelianenko, if signed, is not so massive that a fight with Silva would be unreasonable. There are concerns you’re sacrificing reputable champions in each division, but both St. Pierre and Silva have nearly exhausted their potential. No one in this sport has a perfect record for long, so why not take a loss in the service of something special?