We all knew that number one middleweight contender Chris Weidman, like, really wanted to fight champion Anderson Silva. A lot.
Now that he’s got his wish, he’s also apparently not interested in the potential security of a new contract until after he fights Silva, either. The young challenger recently told MMA Junkie Radio that he may not sign a new contract with the UFC before fighting Silva.
“I think we’re just going to keep the contract,” he told Junkie.
“I’m definitely OK with making what I was making. I think I was making $24,000 (to show) and $24,000 (as a win bonus). I want to do that because then after I beat Anderson like I plan on doing, then obviously the contract will jump up more than if I was to rip up the contract now. I’m ready to put all my eggs in one basket and put my money where my mouth is.”
There’s a chance Weidman might have a shot at getting a raise if he were to sign a new contract with the UFC before fighting the champion but it appears as if he wants the jackpot or nothing at all. Weidman seems so confident that he’ll be the new 185 pound champion after his next fight that he’d like to delay negotiating with the UFC until after he’s wearing the gold.
Ballsy move, Chris.
Or, an impossible move. That will likely depend on how many fights he’s got on his contract and what the UFC’s current policy about these types of things currently are.
If Weidman only has one fight left on his contract, it is unlikely that the UFC would let him contend for a title unless he signed a new, multi-fight deal with them. The organization seemed to learn their lesson years ago when they saw champions like Murilo Bustamante and Jens Pulver walk away with their belts after failing to come to terms with them in contract negotiations after title fights.
That type of situation is embarrassing for an organization, creates a whole host of complications for them moving forward with divisions and is almost entirely preventable. So, we’re betting that either Weidman already has more than one fight left on his existing contract or, if he has just the one, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about here and the UFC will make him an offer that he will feel is worth signing an extension for.
According to MMA Junkie, Weidman has also promised Silva a rematch should he dethrone the long-time champion. Make no mistake, though, Weidman isn’t cocky.
“When people hear that, it’s almost like I’m talking smack,” Weidman said. “But I’m just confident, and I really believe I can win the fight. I think it’s a fight that people want to see.”
Well, we sure do and we’re glad that shiz is finally scheduled to happen.