Chris Weidman has his sights set on the former champion.
Weidman (16-7 MMA, 12-7 UFC) returned to the win column with a unanimous decision win over Bruno Silva at UFC on ESPN 54. After instant replays showed Weidman poking Silva, he received a TKO finish, which was later ruled a unanimous decision. A second time before dropping him.
Despite the controversial ending, Weidman is hoping to return to competing against more prominent names in the middleweight division.
“I think you want a big name,” Weidman said on the “Believe You Me” podcast. “I went with Bruno Silva and he wasn’t a big name. I wanted to step up and put on a fun match that people wanted to see and that people knew about me and him. I think it’s time to do it.
“Bruno Silva, they didn’t really know his name and I didn’t have the right to choose my opponent. I don’t really get to choose my opponent, but if it were up to me, I would choose a bigger name. If we win, the fight will be a little more meaningful.”
Michael Bisping has previously suggested Sean Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC), and former champion Weidman is fully on board with that idea. Strickland is currently scheduled to face Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 302 on June 1st.
“I love that game,” Weidman said. “I have a lot of respect for Strickland. I think it’s going to be a fun build-up. I think he’s going to save me from being such a good guy. We were able to trash talk a little bit and have a good time. I love that fight. I like how he pushes the pace. He likes to tire the guy out. I want to test myself against others.”
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