Poll: Is Anderson Silva sports’ biggest showboating disaster ever? [Updated]
Anderson Silva did more than a little clowning on Saturday night. And ever since, he’s been getting clowned pretty good himself by everyone who saw his shocking knockout loss to Chris Weidman during UFC 162.
Check out the video above. Here is how The Times’ Lance Pugmire described the events leading up to the previously unbeaten Silva’s losing his middleweight to Weidman:
“After escaping Weidman’s takedown and extended grasp and punishment in the first round, Silva started taunting and clowning with Weidman.
“He smirked at Weidman’s charges, put his hands on his hips dodging a punch, kicked and hit Weidman and retreated while talking trash in a performance reminiscent of Muhammad Ali.
“Silva was so bold and so cocky that it seemed another spectacular moment would come from the 38-year-old skilled in so many martial arts disciplines.
“Instead, Silva left himself open in the defining moment of the second and surrendered the belt he’s owned since October 2006, also losing for the first time in his 17th UFC fight.â€
And with that, Silva goes from one of the most feared and respected men in mixed martial arts to pretty much a punch line. Is it the worst showboating disaster in sports history? It’s definitely pretty bad.
But what about Leon Lett in Super Bowl XXVII?
That premature celebration might be one of the most famous gaffes in sports history and it did cost Dallas a touchdown, but it did little to affect the outcome of the Cowboys’ 52-17 romp over the Buffalo Bills.
But speaking of celebrating a bit too early, how about snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis in the 2006 Winter Olympics?
Unable to resist showing off before reaching the finish line, Jacobellis had to settle for a silver medal instead of a certain gold.
Please let us know of your favorite examples of showboating gone horribly wrong.
[Updated at 11:31 a.m.: Can’t write about showboating disasters without mentioning the Washington Redskins’ Gus Frerotte headbutting a concrete wall following a touchdown:
Thanks to the reader who suggested this one.]
[Updated at 12:16: Ladies and gentlemen, DeSean Jackson:
This one has gotten some votes as well.]
ALSO:
Chris Weidman knocks out Anderson Silva for UFC title
UFC 162 recap: Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman plus all other bouts
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