Why is it so difficult for the UFC to market "The Spider?"

Anderson Silva, AKA "The Spider," is without a doubt the best pound-for-pound fighter in the entire world, according to countless fans and MMA experts. He is also one of the most polite and humble human beings in general. That is of coarse, outside of the cage. His first fight in the UFC against Chris Leben left MMA fans speechless: "The Brazilian, making his UFC debut, had unleashed an explosion of violence so impressive it managed to shock a sport built on explosions of violence." It was unlike anything previously seen in the Octagon. Before making his way into the UFC, he had left an impression fighting in Japan that would soon be encountered in the states for the first time. When it was over, Announcer Joe Rogan summed it up in one line for everyone: "this is a different kind of striker." And yet, that was only the beginning. He tore through the 185 division, finishing fights with Rich Franklin twice, Travis Lutter, Nate Marquardt, and Dan Henderson. He fought his last fight as a light heavyweight, defeating James Irvin with one punch in the first round. However, the UFC has trouble making the big ticket and PPV sales that other fighters make who are arguably not as good as he is. So, why is it so hard to market this incredible athlete? That's the question President Dana White most likely scratches his bald head to every day. Critics argue that it is because he does not speak English, which is a valid point. Although, his English has gotten much better. There is no real solid reason for him to not make the big sales that popular fighters like Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture, and Matt Hughes have made over the years. If it is just a language barrier, that can be broken. Hopefully it will before he decides to step out of the Octagon.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news?prov=yhoo&slug=dw-silva022808&type=lgns

Anderson Silva Vs. Chris Leben:


"The Spider" returns to the Octagon to fight "The Predator," Patrick Cote on October 25th, UFC 90.