What do we make of the fascination that Arlovski and Silva seem to have with proving themselves in the squared circle?  With Silva it is a bit easier to understand, as everyone around him has told him that he has proven himself to be the best in the world, in any weight class, in mixed martial arts.  From that standpoint, it is somewhat understandable that he would want to prove himself in a different realm…possibly for a challenge, possibly to feel like he’s up against the odds for once, who knows?

For Arlovski, the motives are less clear.  Arlovski is making more fighting for Affliction than he is likely to make as a newcomer to the boxing world.  He also has plenty of unfinished business in the cage, especially since he was knocked out while standing with Fedor Emelianenko in their recent fight (although to be fair, the KO occurred as Arlovski attempted a flying knee, which wouldn’t happen in a boxing match).

What is making these guys want to jump into a new sport, especially one that is more restrictive than the one that they are currently in?  After all, you don’t see them wanting to focus on grappling tournaments all of a sudden, or learn to wrestle at a high level, like “Kid” Yamamoto did when he was considering an Olympic run.  Why pick this specific discipline of MMA to focus on?  Why not give K-1 a try, for instance?

In the case of Arlovski, the influence of his boxing trainer, the legendary Freddie Roach, probably plays a large part.  Roach has worked with Arlovski extensively and obviously has his respect.  With Roach saying that Arlovski could challenge for a heavyweight boxing title (pick one, I guess?) in the near future, Arlovski has plenty of encouragement to enter the boxing ring and see how he fares.

It’s still a bit peculiar, though: it’s not as if Arlovski has ever been a one-trick pony who was known primarily for his striking.  There have been a fair amount of fights, particularly earlier in his career, when Arlovski was not even the best striker in the fight!  Therefore, the reasoning for many fighters who want to box- that they relish the idea of a stand-up fight without having to worry about defending takedowns or submissions- doesn’t work in this case. 

It’s also unclear whether Arlovski would consider boxing exclusively and quitting mixed martial arts altogether, but it’s hard to imagine him not doing so if he has any kind of success.  Roach is not the kind of trainer who will want one of his boxers using time that he should be working on his technique to work jiu jitsu or wrestling.  If Roach truly thinks Arlovski could be a heavyweight champ, he will want total dedication from his pupil. 

Let’s say Roach’s confidence is not misplaced, and Arlovski does have the tools to be a champion.  Is he going to be a high-level professional boxer and still make time to fight in the cage?  Of course not.  So why would MMA fans be excited to see how Arlovski can do in the ring?

Anderson Silva’s situation is much different, as he has repeatedly voiced his intention to retire from mixed martial arts when his current UFC contract expires (which is just a few fights from now).  In the recent news regarding his continued intention to face Roy Jones, Jr. he says that he would do so once his contract is fulfilled and when he is done with MMA altogether.  So, we can’t really be angry about him leaving MMA for boxing, as it seems like a)he’s ready to be done fighting anyway and b)he just wants the foray into boxing to be a one-fight deal.

However, is there any reason to get geared up to see Silva face Jones, Jr.?  While it’s commendable that Silva wants to test himself and give the sport a shot, it’s hard to get excited to see it.  After all, a win over Jones, Jr. (who most pundits agree is not relevant in the rankings anymore) won’t prove MMA’s superiority or even that Silva is a high-level boxer.  It would be impressive, but would it be entertaining?  To me, it would be painful to watch a technician of Silva’s caliber have to restrain his wide array of tools to fit the restrictive rules of boxing.  I’m sure I’m not the only MMA fan who feels that way.