Anderson Silva is ready and willing to defend his UFC title against Chris Weidman.
The middleweight champ was recently a guest on Domingao do Faustao, a popular show that airs on Brazil’s Rede Globo TV network. While fielding questions from fans, he was asked whether or not he had refused a fight with Weidman.
In just a few words, Silva cleared up weeks of speculation and assumption (via Sherdog.com):
I didn’t refuse anything. I’m here to fight! He’ll get his chance sometime. You have to ask Dana White about this.
With both Silva and Weidman apparently on board for a fight, the ball is back in the UFC’s court to make the bout happen.
There are still major hurdles to overcome before the UFC is able to green-light the fight.
UFC President Dana White announced at the post-fight presser for UFC 150 that Silva had decided to take the rest of 2012 off. “The Spider” isn’t expected to defend his title again until 2013.
This will be put Weidman in the tough position of either waiting for a title shot or risking another fight.
Silva has been plagued with injuries and seems to be fighting less these days.
A positive sign for fans was the fact that Silva recently offered to step up and fight a light heavyweight in Jon Jones’ place to save the UFC 151 fight card from cancellation.
Could Silva be ready to face Weidman by January 2013 or possibly even the end of this year?
Weidman’s current options are pretty limited. Vitor Belfort is slated to face Jones in September, Michael Bisping is fighting Brian Stann, Alan Belcher is injured and Rich Franklin is tied up with Cung Le.
Time is certainly on Weidman’s side.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com