Former long-time UFC middleweight titleholder Anderson Silva gets his chance to recapture the championship gold at UFC 168, where he rematches current champ Chris Weidman.
“The Spider” lost the title to Weidman at UFC 162, suffering a devastating knockout in the second round of their July matchup, the first time the legendary Brazilian had ever been stopped with strikes in his 16-year-plus career.
During an appearance in Brazil during the UFC 168 media tour, Silva revealed that he entered the title tilt with injured ribs, though he made it a point to say he wasn’t making an excuse for the loss (via MMA Fighting).
“It was good that you mentioned this because I was really hurt,” Silva told the media. “Nobody mentioned this yet, but that’s not an excuse for my performance. It was a below where I was injured for my first fight with Chael Sonnen. That’s it. I was at 85 percent of my physical condition … I can’t talk about this because anything I say can be used against me. It’s in the past. I’m okay now.”
MMA Fighting also points out that media reports circulated prior to the bout that Silva had suffered a rib injury, but the then-champion’s camp denied that any such injury occurred (via MMA Mania).
With the stunning highlight real finish this summer, Weidman improved his undefeated record to 10-0, with seven finishes (three submissions, four knockouts).
The loss snapped Silva’s incredible 17-fight win streak, including a UFC record of 10 successful title defenses at 185-pounds.
Weidman vs. Silva II headlines the UFC’s annual year end pay-per-view, UFC 168, on December 28. Like their first bout, the middleweight showdown takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Will Silva prove the first win was a fluke or will “The All-American” showcase that he truly is the best there is to offer at 185 pounds?
John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com.
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