Sour grapes?
Fresh off a devastating loss to Daniel Cormier at the Strikeforce Grand Prix: "Barnett vs. Kharitonov," Antonio Silva has an opinion about how he thinks the championship fight will go down.
In case you missed it, Silva was brutally knocked out by Cormier in the first round of their fight on Saturday night (Sept. 10, 2011).
From the very first time Cormier connected, it was clear that Silva was not prepared or able to handle his opponent's power and striking game.
Silva talked with Tatame about his recent loss:
"I guess Josh will win. If he doesn't make the same mistakes I did, of really going for it. That's the only chance Cormier has got, his punch. He isn't any good on the ground to fight Josh there. He knows wrestling, but... I guess Josh Barnett will win, he's more complete."
Interesting.
It's not ridiculous to suggest that Barnett could have the advantage on the ground. His submission game is on a different level and he is probably more well-rounded in that aspect of his game.
Don't get it twisted, though. Cormier is no slouch on the ground. "DC" was an NCAA All-American and Olympic class wrestler. It's unlikely he's nervous about the fight going to the canvas.
Silva seems to be inferring that Cormier got lucky in their respective fight and that he'd need to get lucky again to beat Barnett.
Is he just bitter?
What do you think, Maniacs? Sound off!