The end of Anderson Silva’s storied reign hasn’t convinced everyone that the ex-champion won’t find a way to win a rematch. In fact, the opening lines for a potential bout were released on Tuesday, and they all favor Silva to avenge his defeat and recapture the UFC middleweight championship.
Two separate lines saw it that way. Sportsbook.com made Silva a -175 favorite (he’s already been bet up to -185), while 5Dimes.eu listed the Brazilian at -140.
Weidman is a +155 and +100 underdog on the sites, respectively.
Those numbers are among the closest odds in Silva’s UFC career; when he fought Dan Henderson in 2008, he closed at -140.
At UFC 162, Silva was more than a 2-to-1 favorite, but the lines for the possible sequel aren’t overly surprising given the public reaction to the stunning knockout, with many observers believing Silva was as responsible for the finish as Weidman was. Silva taunted Weidman at several points in the bout, and just before eating the fight-changing left hook that led to the finish, pretended he was badly hurt by another punch that grazed him.
The belief is that if Silva tones it down and fights more conservatively, he will win. However, in the immediate aftermath of the bout, Silva said he was no longer interested in fighting for the belt. The UFC, sensing a major money-making rematch, will attempt to convince him to reconsider after he completes a vacation.
Silva (33-5) had won 17 straight fights before Saturday night’s UFC 162 loss. That streak included 16 straight octagon wins and 10 successful title defenses, both UFC records.
Weidman has yet to taste defeat in his pro career, as his win moved him to 10-0.