Add another UFC middleweight to the list of those calling out new champion Michael Bisping.
MMA legend and former longtime UFC 185-pound king Anderson Silva is now calling for a rematch against Bisping. The two fought in Bisping’s home country of England earlier this year and in a hard fought battle, Bisping would go on to score a decision victory.
Following his win over “The Spider,” Bisping secured a title shot with then champion Luke Rockhold and would go on to shock the world by knocking him out in the first round to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion of the world.
Now, Silva wants his chance to avenge his loss to Bisping and regain the title he held for years all in one shot.
Anderson Silva took to his official Instagram page this week, where he issued the following statement challenging Michael Bisping to a rematch in his own hometown of Manchester, England:
“Well, I could give you million reasons to make the fight against Bisping happen, but the truth is that he is afraid. I’m not going to compare myself to others even mention someone else, but in my perspective I believe I have the right to a fight with him once again, because I have won London’s fight and a rematch was promised. However, as he was injured by me during the fight, he wouldn’t be prepared to fight too soon, then he was ready to replace someone, but not to face me in Brazil, right? You know I lived an unexpected situation having a surgery, but if it wasn’t happened I could fight in Brazil. So, I think it’s time to show that I’m serious, I’ve never asked for a rematch with no adversary, but I do want to have an opportunity of a fight with Bisping, I deserve that for everything I have achieve into the organization saving last time fights’ events even in upper categories, fighting injured, broke a leg. I have proved why I am the best in world in this sport and I humbly say that none of my adversaries who supposedly defeated me have achieved or will my actions into the organization. Undoubtedly, I believe this rematch will be the best step for UFC and Dana is aware of it, because numbers does tell and as we always have to stand by the group let it be from both sides. If I could help him to feel more confident and less afraid I would agree to fight him in his hometown, Manchester.”