Dana White Gets Real Concerning Anderson Silva’s Final Fight

To no one’s surprise, Dana White expressed colorful dialogue following Anderson Silva’s recent TKO loss Saturday night.

The UFC boss, who considers Silva ‘family’, stated it was a mistake to book the 45-year-old one last time at UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Hall.

White had these pointed remarks via CBS:

"I made a big mistake. I shouldn't have let him fight this fight tonight but out of respect to him, he's a legend of this sport and a legend of this company, I did something that I disagreed with. I knew I was right and tonight proved I was right. Anderson Silva should never fight again."

After ruling the 185 pound division with an iron fist from 2006 through 2013, Silva appeared winded during his scheduled five round main event vs. Uriah Hall before Hall ended matters early in round four.

While each fighter had moments during their expected standup battle, journeyman Hall remained loaded until downing his Curitiba, Brazilian foe with pinpoint accuracy. The loss continued Silva’s unsightly 1-7 slide which launched in 2013 opposite Chris Weidman.

However, given ‘The Spider’s’ prior dominance which included a 16-0 Octagon start and destructive championship performances vs. Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, Demian Maia, Vitor Belfort and Chael Sonnen, a proper send off felt warranted.

Although, even as fans platformed Anderson’s final competitive walk to express appreciation for the greatest combat fighter ever, White bemoaned Silva’s pay, via CBS:

“...if you guys knew what Anderson Silva gets paid to fight, you'd s--- your f---ing pants. I think that we've treated him like family. I shouldn't have let him fight this fight tonight.”

During this economy, such candor has a place. Though, not counting the past seven years of his MMA journey, Anderson Silva remains unrivaled in sheer marketing importance. At a time when MMA exploded from fringe to mainstream acceptance, no fighter captured public imagination quite like ‘The Spider.’ Highlight reel knockouts and almost inhuman reflexes put Silva among an unrivaled competitive sphere. Fellow legends, including Jon Jones, never matched the former champ's verve or dramatic flair.

With his UFC career apparently done, we can all reminisce on our favorite Silva moments. Just don’t expect Dana White to be swayed by his former superstar’s post fight optimism. And with that the UFC beat goes on.