Chris Weidman deserves the next shot at Anderson Silva, as Weidman is the only man currently in the division who has a legitimate chance at beating “The Spider.”
What other fighters are really worthy?
Should Michael Bisping get a title shot after beating Brian Stann at UFC 152? Bisping, aside from not beating anyone spectacular, is a horrible matchup for Silva and would be beaten decisively. Bisping is a striker with a questionable chin; just the type of fighter Anderson Silva eats for breakfast.
What about Brian Stann?
If Stann beats Bisping, should he get the shot? After all, he’ll be on a two-fight win streak if he beats Bisping. However, Stann, too, is at a stylistic disadvantage against Silva. Silva vs. Stann would resemble Silva vs. Leben or Silva vs. Griffin (an aggressive striker attacking Silva and then Silva moving out of the way and completely clowning them).
Alan Belcher, even though he’s been on a remarkable run, would suffer the same fate as Stann.
Vitor Belfort is still unworthy after losing to Silva in such dramatic fashion, as wins over Yoshihiro Akiyama and an overweight Anthony Johnson don’t make him worthy of a title shot.
Rashad Evans would have a chance against Silva should he choose to move down to middleweight, but giving Evans an immediate shot would hardly be fair to Weidman, who has earned his keep in the division and proven that he’s truly a force to be reckoned with.
Thus, Weidman is the only fighter at middleweight who truly deserves a chance at Anderson Silva. He has the wrestling, the submissions, the strength, the style and the tenacity to win.
Now is Weidman’s time for a title shot—not Bisping’s, not Stann’s, not Belcher’s nor anyone else’s.
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