Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The recent success of Chris Weidman, who won the middleweight title and defended it against the former champion Anderson Silva, inspired Costas Philippou to do the same in the future. The Cypriot, former training partner of the current champion, stated that recent events have convinced him that winning the belt is not an unrealistic goal.
“I trained with Chris, so I know what it takes to get to the top. He was a stranger facing Anderson Silva, and Chris beat him twice. I've already entered the ring against Chris. This all showed me that it is not impossible to be UFC champion. It may happen. If Chris can do it, maybe I can do it too”, said the fighter, in an interview with the North American broadcaster ESPN’s website.
However, before thinking about the belt, Philippou will face the dangerous Luke Rockhold in the main fight of UFC Fight Night 35, this Wednesday (15). Seeking to recover from the defeat he suffered against Francis Carmont, Philippou believes that his rival will not accept the fight standing up. “Before fighting me, Carmont had several fights where he switches. But, against me, he chose not to change. I feel like any opponent will try to take me down. I don't think he'll feel comfortable enough to want to trade with me. Even though they are good at striking, they don’t want to take any chances against me,” he declared.