Mark Munoz likely believes Chris Weidman deserves a shot at Anderson Silva.
In UFC on Fuel 4, Weidman knocked out Munoz, keeping his perfect record glistening. After yet another eye-opening performance, The All-American’s next opponent should be none other than The Spider himself.
Jamie Penick of the MMA Torch reported that Weidman believes he’s capable of being the first UFC fighter to make Silva submit. He said:
I’ve got the length with Anderson Silva, so he’s not going to be able to play on the outside much with me. If he comes in, my takedowns are pretty good. I’ll take him down…I could submit him and finish him.
Before his loss to Weidman, ESPN ranked Munoz as the fourth-best MMA middleweight fighter only behind Silva, Chael Sonnen and Vitor Belfort. Silva already beat both of them—Sonnen twice, one this past week, and Belfort in 2011. But not only did Weidman take care of Munoz, his previous triumph was against Demian Maia, who survived five rounds against Silva and forced Sonnen to submit in the first round.
Weidman thinks his resume is strong enough to warrant a matchup with Silva, and it’s difficult to argue with him. He said (via MMA Torch):
This is five straight in the UFC. I beat two top-five guys. I feel like I did put my dues in. I know I’m just 9-0, but I really believe I’m ready, and I’m going to go after Anderson Silva and get that shot.
Sure, Weidman doesn’t have a Silva-like resume, but how many fighters do? He’s an undefeated competitor rapidly on the rise that’s recently taken out top-notch talent. Not only is he worthy to face off against the legendary Silva, he’d give the veteran a run for his money.
Just don’t expect a submission.
David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.
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