Weidman, Belfort and Machida are some of the standout names among the midfielders. Photo: MMA Press Production (Josh Hedges/UFC)
UFC president, Dana White, is satisfied with the current situation in the middleweight category, which has fighters weighing up to 84 kg. Chris Weidman, crowned category champion in July 2013 after beating Anderson Silva, will make his second title defense against Vitor belfort, who is the first in a long line of athletes waiting for the opportunity to compete for the title.
"Of course Chris Weidman had incredible performances in his two fights against Anderson Silva and he is the new champion, but what makes the category so interesting is that we have a lot of people waiting. We have Vitor belfort, [Ronaldo] Jacaré Souza, we have Lyoto Machida, and the list continues with all these tough guys”, said the manager, in an interview with North American television Fox Sports. “And, let's not forget, Anderson Silva can come back in a year and he's still the number one contender in the world. So this category has never been more exciting than it is now.”
On the 15th, in Jaraguá do Sul, UFC Fight Night 36 will feature two important fights for the middleweight category. Lyoto Machida, fourth in the organization's official ranking, faces Gegard Mousasi, while Ronaldo Jacare, third, will face Francis Carmont, eighth.
According to White, Machida could win the right to fight for the belt if he beats Mousasi convincingly. In his debut in the category, in October last year, the Brazilian knocked out Mark Muñoz in the first round. “The struggle between Vitor belfort e Chris Weidman it will happen first, but, yes, if Machida wins, he will possibly be next in line to fight for the title”, said the president.
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