Phil Davis: "Don't call me talented."
by Giada Esposito on June 05, 2010

Not long after his successful UFC debut, light-heavyweight prospect Phil Davis let it be known that he was sick and tired of black fighters being labeled "explosive" and "athletic" by commentators.

Now "Mr. Wonderful" is expressing his distaste for another adjective: talented.

According to Davis, his success has come about through hard work, and natural ability has nothing to do with it.

"I'm not real talented, so I have to work on things extra hard," Davis told Purefight.org. "Everybody hypes up me, 'He's so naturally talented.'  I don't even know what naturally talented means. I don't even know what that means. Who says that? I don't want to pick on Joe Rogan, but he says that."

Davis (6-0) has looked impressive in his first two UFC fights, dominating Brian Stann for a decision at UFC 109, and then dispatching Alexander Gustafsson via first-round submission at UFC 112. It's hard to watch Davis fight without being struck by his speed, power, technique, and yes, his athletic ability. 

But according to Davis, athleticism should be taken as a given in a professional fighter, and is not something to be praised or looked at in degrees.

"People who are professional at anything are obviously good at what they do," Davis scoffed. "So saying that someone who's a professional athlete is athletic is actually more of an oxymoron. Of course they're an athlete, of course they're athletic.  Doesn't it make sense that a professional athlete would be athletic? You know what I mean? Of course they are. They're an athlete, that's what they do. They wouldn't be an athlete if they were not athletic. There's no such thing as an unathletic athlete at a professional level who's any good."

In a sport where athletes are criticized not only for their technique, fitness, and finishing ability, but also for their hair styles, tattoos, and the professions of their wives, many fighters would be glad to recieve any compliment at all. 

Not Davis.  Seemingly he looks on praise for his talent as a sort of veiled insult, a suggestion that he has achieved what he has without having to put forth a tremendous amount of effort.

For "Mr. Wonderful", nothing could be further from the truth. 

"I'm not real talented," Davis clarified. "Meaning that when I learn a skill, I don't get it the first time, or the second, or close to the first thousand sets. So I have to put in a lot of work in order to get it." 

 |  (21) Comments JujitsWho: I hope someone KTFO of this dumbass. "Don't use any adjectives to discribe me, you have to come up with all new words!" Screw you dude, you're not that great anyway. You fought a freakin tomato can in your first fight and pulled a Clay Guida for 3 rounds.......IM BLOWN AWAY EverlastingSpringtime: Does that mean he wants us to call him talentless? :) Jambi: I like this guy even if he's tryin to be a bit too humble. Great wrestling and ever improving submissions. The Hitman: Your talented **runs away** Natalia Baage: Glad to hear that he admits that fighting doesn't come naturally to him and that he does have to work at it. But at the same time, if people are complementing him, he should accept the accolades and appreciate the people who are calling him a good fighter. GO HARD: i kinda understand where hes coming from and what he is saying. hes basically saying dont call him "naturally talented" .... if your a pro, there is no natural to it... your there cuz u work hard. i think the word naturally is the key. Storm: maybe if he was more athletic he would get it on the 1st or 2nd try... ::shrugs:: Andrew: He is not talented when it comes to his use and understanding of the english language. I find it funny when people get mad about the words people use to describe them but then use improper english to make their case. He says he is a professional well part of being a pro is the media will report on you how they see it, its part of being a professional deal with it or cry about. I hope he gets Vera next. thebutterflybee: Can I just call him Dickhead instead then? MAStudent: he should just say "Thank You" more Does GSP , who works as hard as anyone, ever complain about being called telented? "Its nice to hear that I am talented, but I have to put in a lot of hard work to wear pink shorts and lay on a guy without trying any finishes for most of as fight."
HOW WILL THE THIAGO ALVES VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN FIGHT END AT UFC ON FX 2?
Alves def. Kampmann via TKO/KO
Alves def. Kampmann via submission
Alves def. Kampmann via decision
Kampmann def. Alves via TKO/KO
Kampmann def. Alves via submission
Kampmann def. Alves via decision
TAKE ANOTHER POLL!