[TN94z]

Okay, here are my thoughts on this deal. I am a pretty big Anderson fan, so lets just get that out first. I don't agree with this at all. If you are the champ, you are expected to defend your title against the next person in line. It shouldn't matter what the guy has done or the fights he has had...if the UFC says he gets the next shot, then he gets the next shot. Anderson works for the UFC, not the other way around. If the guy hasn't made it to what you think is your level, then fight the guy and show everyone he is not on your level. I have had mixed feelings about this subject the past few years but it is honestly getting old. There really should be a stipulation in the contracts that if you don't defend the belt x number of times per year (barring any major injury) then you get stripped. It is just not fair to put an entire division on hold just because the title holder has personal endeavors that get in the way. If you want to be an actor, go be an actor. If you want to be a fighter, be a fighter. An interim belt means nothing and is a waste of time IMHO....especially when the holder of said belt can even put it on hold now....ridiculous!

With that being said, responsibility must fall on the UFC to make these changes happen. They are just too willing to allow these types of things to go on and the big names take advantage of this. The UFC needs to get tough (like Dana acts like he is) and put their foot down. The UFC WILL NOT go bankrupt because Anderson Silva is off the pay roll....or any other fighter for that matter.