The lights went out inside MandalayBay long before they shut down Super Bowl XLVII in The Big Easy for a few moments on Saturday night. With a head kick followed by sasquatchian fists, Antonio Silva demolished the “Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem and erased all mysticism surrounding the Blackzilian that fans have held him in for so many years. Where some may have watched, mouth agape, was any true fan of the sport honestly surprised? Looking at his career and overall record, what legitimate victory has he earned in the past six years?
Ponder on the men he has beaten and think if they are really anything to be, “Oh yeah, that’s pretty good – Overeem could cure cancer while saving a bus full of kittens from a volcano” following he has garnered over the years. He holds wins over: a washout, Todd Duffee, a wife beater, the guy Kimbo beat on CBS, Paul Buentello, and went to a “No Contest” with CroCop in 2008. His win over Fabricio Werdum during the Strikeforce HWGP should not be something that fans are proud of; he failed to finish him many times he could have and would not play into the ground game of Werdum that he was so confident he held the advantage in.
The man decided to go to heavyweight after a run at 205, putting on the weight naturally… naturally eating horses and other “substances” that have been questioned in the past. In doing so, he has earned respectable victories outside of MMA (K-1 2010 Grand Champion) and that is something that is commended and well received. Stepping into cages however, with four ounce gloves, he has garnered well against opponents who he should – inexperienced or under-qualified.
Sitting now at 1-1 in the UFC, being silenced in a highlight reel worthy way, he goes back to the drawing board after suffering his first professional loss since September 2007, how does he come back? He has the striking that needs to be respected from any fighter who stands across from him, that is truth; his guillotine is good and could submit whoever gets caught; who makes most sense for his comeback fight? JUNIOR DOS SANTOS.
Overeem will fight off of emotion leading into a fight but has the composure and technical skills to determine the pace after the cage is locked and they get to work. Will he be able to out box the former champion? Will a devastating knockout loss expose his chin (which has been criticized in the past)? Can someone please tell me how he has drawn the love of so many fans like he has? This guy is over inflated and has more worth invested in him than he actually is.
Over time, I think Silva started the trend that will continue to worsen for the Dutchmen; people will wait for the shot and land it with their boxing. If someone is able to shoot in and get him to the ground, it will be a short night as well; he will not be eating too many shots from the likes of Cain Velasquez or Daniel Cormier if they are mounted on him. Hopefully it is nice weather this time of year in Florida so he and Rashad can both figure out how to re-establish themselves as contenders; otherwise Japan is poised to lose every comedian they have to offer.
