I don't know. I just think it'd be foolish and naive not to take it into account and it would be pretty naive to fall for Dana's "We're still waiting for the guy to look like 38" rant. He may not look like 38 when he fights, but he is 38, and not even on TRT. Here's the thing: while the rest of the world perceives 38 years of age as being old for an athlete that relies on speed -- maybe even a little too old -- MMA fighters and Silva in particular is supposed to be a magic exception. Silva has been phenomenal, I agree, but age is not a myth. It's a real factor, and fighters are, on contrary to hyperbole and popular belief, only human.
As for motivation, I don't know. I think motivation is only one thing of many that leads to a result.
On one hand, the man practically thanked Weidman for winning, and has done so ever since his post fight interview. On the flip side of that coin, he could very well be just doing his own version of damage control. Though, if you're asking whether or not I believe him, I'd have to say 'yes'. I do believe him, mainly because it kind of makes sense. The man is 38.
Note: I am however not taking anything away from Weidman. He won that fight fairly squarely. I just think that in reality, age was probably more of a factor than most fans are willing to admit.
