Chris Weidman Thinks Third Bout With Anderson Silva Wouldn’t Be A Fair Fight

Chris Weidman shocked the world for the second time at UFC 168, defeating Anderson Silva and retaining the UFC Middleweight crown. Although a TKO due to Silva breaking his leg, Weidman takes the win and moves on to face Vitor ‘The Phenom’ Belfort in his next title defense.

The bout at 168 wasn’t as controversial as the 162 scrap, but still left a lot of questions regarding both fighters; One question mark surrounds Silva’s comeback from the injury, and if he and Weidman will complete a trilogy. ‘The All-American’ spoke to the LA Times regarding the matter:

“I don’t like that his leg got broken. It’s bittersweet on that, but I felt I was completely dominating the fight. If anything, him breaking his leg stopped me from putting on more of a show…. It’s a tough injury to come back from. I honestly would feel bad to fight him again.”

“I know he’s going to be a little hesitant to kick me. He has to worry about getting knocked out. I’ve dropped him twice, knocked him out once. And I don’t know if it’d even be a fair fight to take.”

It is funny how after two fights, we still don’t know how a fight between Silva and Weidman would go. Would Silva score one of his signature finishes, or would Weidman’s wrestling prove to be Silva’s undoing?

‘The Spider’ didn’t look as fluid in the second bout with Weidman, and I’m beginning to wonder if that version of Silva is even in existence anymore. Firstly he got knocked out while clowning at 162, then he breaks his leg in the rematch; I’m not sure what version of Silva we’d see in a third match.

Injuries and the knockout aside, Silva has dropped two on the bounce for the first time ever. I know that similar things happen to most legends, but does ‘The Spider’ have what it takes to come back strong? I’m not sure I agree with Weidman saying that it wouldn’t be a fair fight; that statement seems to discredit a great champion and is slightly patronizing.

A part of me really wishes that Silva won at 168, but I’d also like the GOAT to retire if his time in the sport is truly finished. Too often I see athletes go on for longer than they are supposed to, I hope that Silva makes the right choice.

BANNER IMAGE COURTESY OF USA TODAY SPORTS