Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman II Targeted for UFC 168; Rousey vs. Tate Could Get Pushed Back
Heading into UFC 162: Silva vs. Weidman on Saturday, UFC president Dana White said if Anderson Silva lost to Chris Weidman that there would be an immediate rematch. He said it would be a “no brainer.”
Weidman ended Silva’s record streak of 10 successful UFC middleweight title defenses with two left hands and follow-up punches on the ground early in the second round.
On Monday, White told Los Angeles Times reporter Lance Pugmire that he’s excited for the rematch and is considering making it the UFC 168 headliner on Dec. 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is scheduled to rematch Miesha Tate on the UFC 168 fight card, but White said he’s considering moving that fight to Super Bowl weekend and replacing it with Silva vs. Weidman II. White believes the rematch between Weidman and Silva would be the biggest fight in UFC history.
Weidman offered Silva a rematch during his post-fight interview with commentator Joe Rogan.
“I just have to say all respect to Anderson Silva,” said Weidman. “I’ll give him an immediate rematch if he wants to do it.”
A rematch hinges on whether or not Silva wants it, something he said he did not immediately following his first UFC defeat.
“Chris is the champion now,” said Silva. “I finish my work. I no more fight for the belt. I fight for the belt for a long time. I’m tired.”
During the post-fight press conference, Silva pulled back on his comments, leaving the door cracked for a possible rematch.
“I want to take some time off and maybe three to four months, think about what I want to do. Really, right now, I can’t think about (a rematch),” Silva explained. “I just want to take some time off, go home, and think about everything and be alone.
“There’s a lot of pressure in defending this title. I defended it for a long time, so I need some time to myself.”
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