Chris Weidman has a few things to tick off his bucket list before he hangs up his gloves.
Fifteen years after he began his professional career in Atlantic City, “All American” is still going strong. This week, Weidman returns to where it all began as he walks towards his next UFC bout against Bruno Silva.
A win at AC would be a testament to Weidman's trials and tribulations, where everything changed in 2021. During a fight with Uriah Hall, Weidman broke his leg after delivering a kick. It was a long road to recovery from his serious injury, but Weidman finally returned last August after a leg kick loss to Brad Tavares.
After Saturday's bout with Bruno Silva, the former UFC middleweight champion likes the idea of getting back at another 'Silva', this time outside the Octagon.
“I love the UFC. I think I have two more fights left on my contract. We'll see,” Weidman told Daniel Cormier regarding free agency. “Listen, because of everything I've accomplished, I was able to get a big win over Bruno Silva this weekend. It could give me some big opportunities within the UFC. . I love the UFC. But obviously there are boxing matches that make a lot of money. I wouldn't mind ending my career with it.
“Actually, I love boxing. Who wouldn't want to watch a boxing match between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman? Will he get revenge on me? There's a great fight out there. ”
In 2013, it was Chris Weidman who put the finishing touches on Anderson Silva's legendary title reign and 16-fight winning streak. Weidman not only defeated Silva, he won twice. In his first fight Weidman caught “The Spider” showboating and knocked him out at UFC 162, becoming the new UFC Middleweight World Champion.
Weidman knows what it feels like to break a leg, and that's exactly what happened to Anderson Silva after he was checked for a leg kick in their long-awaited rematch at UFC 168.
The promotion decided there was no need for a trilogy, and the middleweight team ultimately went their separate ways and fought other contenders. There were offers to settle the score, but Weidman, who was leading 2-0, said he declined to fight Silva at UFC 212 in 2017.
Leg breaks are rare in MMA, but a boxing match between rivals in the UFC might not be such a bad idea considering the kicks. However, Anderson Silva has fought five professional boxing bouts, including a win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and a loss against “problem boy” Jake Paul, who is interested in Chris Weidman. He definitely has an advantage. Too.
“He's the last MMA pioneer to actually do what everyone's trying to do and try to make things right. I don't know if he'll do that. [fight me] which one. perhaps. Obviously, it's going to be a big money fight for me. Everyone is dying for that battle. That makes me happy. ”
