Weidman (photo) hopes to face Belfort in his next fight. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Chris Weidman reached the top of the UFC middleweight division by defeating renowned Brazilian fighters. First, he overcame Demian Maia, former title challenger, in the judges' decision; two fights later, he knocked out Anderson Silva and won the title. In his two defenses so far, he beat Anderson again and, more recently, beat Lyoto Machida. And, depending on the North American, his next challenge will be another Brazilian athlete: Vitor belfort.
In an interview with the podcast “The MMA Hour”, Weidman named the “Phenomenon” as the next opponent of his choice. However, he recognizes that Belfort still needs to resolve issues with the Nevada Athletic Commission after failing an anti-doping test carried out in February.
“I want to fight with Vitor belfort. He's a guy who's been at the top for a while now. He's more of a legend. I like facing legends that I watched and admired when I started in the sport. Of course, he has the problem with the drug test, but I hope he can resolve this and receive the license to fight. I don’t know what’s going on, but he’s the guy I want to face,” said the American.
However, Weidman has no idea what his next step within the UFC will actually be. “I wish I could say, but I'm in the same boat as you. I haven’t spoken to Dana [White, UFC president] or anyone else since my fight [on July 5],” he explained.
Weidman and Belfort were scheduled to fight, in a fight that would take place on May 24, at UFC 173. However, the Brazilian was removed from the fight after the ban on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), being replaced by Lyoto Machida.
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