Someone asked recently why there are so few people who are fans of both Anderson Silva and GSP. It’s a reasonable question. Both are great fighters, they never fought, not even same division. It would seem to make sense for people to like both. However, so few do. Why is that? Let me explain.
It’s what the fighters represent. Andy was an incredible athlete. He was quick, he was agile, he was fast, he was a naturally gifted athlete. He did things in the ring no one will do following his reign.
Then you have GSP. In terms of PERCEPTION, he was the guy who worked his way to the top. Not particularly gifted, not the A level athlete. A disciplined student of the game who was willing to adapt and change to get the victory.
People who like Anderson tend to be athletes themselves, true competitors. It’s also why they’re willing to forgive his juicing — they understand if you’re not willing to go too far you’ll never go far enough. They understand the will to win at all costs. The thought of tapping to strikes disgusts them.
People who like GSP probably got bullied in high school. They might still be a virgin. They weren’t athletes, they did karate at age 12 to stop the local bully only to get beat up worse in high school. In their defense, they’re more inclined towards beliefs in the value of honor and fairness.
TLDR: Anderson fans are athletes, GSP Fans are nerds