体坛英语新闻：UFC 112 champion Anderson "the Spider" Silva responds to critics

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Returning to Brazil after his recent Ultimate Fighting Championship title in Abu Dhabi, boxer Anderson "the Spider" Silva responded on Sunday to the widespread criticism he is receiving for being arrogant.

Silva beat his compatriot Demian Maia at UFC 112, but has been charged as being un-classy. Silva was booed after being awarded the decision over Maia by a difference of four points.

"I wouldn't say I lost control. I just tried to show everyone, principally Demain, that I wasn't there to play around. I didn't arrive at the title fight by accident. I am a four-time world champion," described Silva.

"There was a moment in the match when I saw the fight as a brawl. I said things like 'didn't you tell everyone that you were going to rip off one of my legs like a spider's?', and 'come on, get up playboy.' I admit that I called him by playboy," said Silva, who received his nickname as "the Spider" from his time spent with team Pride in Japan.

"Mike Tyson also used to provoke his opponents and was always criticized. If I were to talk the talk and not walk the walk, it would be different. But, as always, I went into the fight and walked out victorious. I won the title belt without having been scratched," added Silva.

Silva said he attempted to entice Maia for the reason of frustrating him, not disrespecting him.