Anderson 'Spider' Silva once again dominated his opponent so completely that another boring fight was witnessed by all at UFC 97.  As a MMA fan, I am disappointed in the lack of action.  As a semi-intelligent person, I am very impressed with Silva's total and utter domination of the UFC middleweight class.

Professional boxing legend Bernard Hopkins displayed his comprehension of Sun Tzu with his mastery of the young lion, middleweight-champion Kelly Pavlik.  Hopkins terrorized Pavlik by never letting him get comfortable and frustrating his efforts.  When attacked Hopkins evaded. When Pavlik sought to rest Hopkins pressed him.  When Pavlik attempted to box Hopkins brawled.  When Pavlik wanted to brawl Hopkins put on a technical boxing clinic.

Sun Tzu professed that the ultimate victory is the battle never fought.  Your opponent is so thoroughly convinced that they cannot prevail they choose to not engage and live to fight someone else another day...Thus the greatness of Anderson Silva. 

No one appears to be very enthusiastic about engaging him.  Those that do get vanquished quickly.  Those that do not engage look for moral victories after the fact.

Roy Jones, Jr. during his reign experienced similar criticism.  At his best, he was so clearly superior to every potential challenger that his victories commonly disappointed.  Challengers seemed to approach the fight knowing that they had no chance and they fought like it.

Anderson Silva is truly at the highest level of the warrior class.  His potential challengers have mentally accepted defeat and often prefer not to fight. 

All hail Anderson Silva.