Anderson Silva is the new Pele

The defense of the middleweight belt, in front of compatriot Vitor Belfort, in the early hours of last Sunday, UFC 126, put the Brazilian Anderson Silva, definitely among the most important Brazilian athletes of all time.

Not only for maintaining the belt for the eighth time - something that certainly can be considered significant by both the high-level category and exposure to the holder of the title ends up - but also by how the defense has been happening.

Just as the fight against Chael Sonnen, before Belfort, Silva settled the match when least expected, acting as a magician who suddenly takes the rabbit out of a hat.

If, for the uninitiated it seems more fluke, just consider what effect a deadly blow not only because the opponent - which, indeed, can do nothing before the knockout - but also in their future challengers, at least, will have prepare for an unpredictable opponent, who in the blink of an eye can take them to the canvas.

Anderson is specializing in this

Every fight, Spider seems more confident of its absolute superiority in the Octagon. Such superiority is exposed to a certain arrogance in front of the spotlight. During the events, Anderson seems to simply not be able to look exactly like any other fighter, even if it is weighing.

The impatience that Anderson Silva presented during the event weighing could be interpreted as indefensible kick that ended the fight.

In a sense, so, it reveals the genius of Anderson.

The only thing that separates the great national heroes Spider is his media exposure.

The two biggest names in sport in the country - Pelé and Ayrton Senna - had the media in the palm of their hands.

Senna, a three-time world champion in Formula 1, in the late 80s and early 90s, was a kind of safety valve for the Brazilian people in a time of grave economic crisis. On Sunday morning, the Brazilians were sitting in front of the TV to cheer the great idol who won and the country proud. The flag Senna was carrying in the cockpit was the ultimate symbol of his patriotism.

Pelé was the greatest player in the history of Brazilian sport that fascinates: football.

He made more than 1,000 goals throughout his brilliant career and won all possible titles for his time.

Why won both the media?

Senna had the image of Brazilian hero in times of war and Pelé, he was simply the best of all time in the sport that he loves the country.

Anderson Silva has not the media.

Firstly, because it lacks for its type, popular in the country. Until recently, even fights were broadcast on open TV. The vast majority of Brazilians are passionate about football and TV shows exploit it, reserving space almost negligible for other sports in its programming.

Secondly, because before Anderson Silva, no other Brazilian has reached a threshold so high, is about the achievements, it is technically.

Anderson starts to open pathways, begin to make history. The proof is the sharp reaction to his fight against Belfort, considered the fight of the century. He may, as Pele and Senna, become a legend even bigger than his sport but he has a mission to make it popular among Brazilians. This task is perhaps more difficult than overthrowing his opponents in the octagon.