UFC World Tour: Weidman vs. Silva II Kicks Off In Los Angeles Today

Just as the dust is settling on last weekend’s epic UFC 165 main event between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson, a media tour to hype up arguably the biggest rematch in UFC history begins today.

UFC Middleweight champion Chris Weidman, his challenger and arguable “GOAT” Anderson Silva, and UFC president Dana White will be on hand to answer questions, sign autographs, and get the buzz going for the fight, which will take place in the main event of UFC 168 on December 28th from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Silva was of course knocked out by Weidman in a strange contest at UFC 162 this July. Their upcoming bout is going to prove whether Silva still has what it takes to be the best in the world or not. Many attributed Silva’s showboating performance at UFC 162 to a lack of focus, and there’s no question that a fully motivated Silva can make short work of almost any fighter in the Octagon.

But does he still have the fire necessary to defeat the ‘All-American?’ We’ll have to wait three months to find out, but in the meantime, there’ll be no shortage of media coverage to promote what may be the most anticipated bout in MMA history.

The media tour begins today in Los Angeles, and will make stops in New York, Las Vegas, and Brazil.

Here’s a full rundown of the UFC 168 main event tour stops (courtesy of MMA Junkie):

Monday, 4 p.m. PT, Los Angeles

Q&A with Weidman, Silva, White at UFC Gym, 19800 Hawthorne Blvd #420, Torrance. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, 11 a.m. PT, Las Vegas

News conference with Weidman, Silva, White at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino main lobby, 3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.  Free and open to the public. Event will stream live at MMAjunkie.com.

Wednesday, 5 p.m. ET, New York

Autograph signing with Weidman and Silva at UFC Gym John Street, 80 John St., New York. Free and open to the first 300 fans.

Thursday, Bristol, Conn.

Press day at ESPN headquarters. Media only.

Friday, 1 p.m. ET, Miami

Open workouts with Weidman and Silva, Klipsch Amphitheater at Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, time TBA, Rio de Janeiro

Q&A with Weidman, Silva, White. Location TBD, Rio de Janeiro. Free and open to the public.

Monday, Sept. 30, time TBA, Sao Paulo

News conference with Weidman, Silva, White at a location to be announced in Sao Paulo. Free and open to the public.

Outer Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea for USA TODAY Sports