Tag: Chris Weidman

Anderson Silva Should Accept Chris Weidman’s Challenge or Retire from MMA

Anderson Silva has forgotten what it means to be champion.There’s no denying the facts.Silva is the best in the world. When it’s all said and done, he will probably go down as the greatest fighter in MMA history.Still, there is something to be said abo…

Anderson Silva has forgotten what it means to be champion.

There’s no denying the facts.

Silva is the best in the world. When it’s all said and done, he will probably go down as the greatest fighter in MMA history.

Still, there is something to be said about picking fights, which is something the UFC champ has seemingly grown accustomed to.

After defeating Chael Sonnen for a second time, the MMA world has become fixated on Silva’s next opponent. Chris Weidman seems to lead the pack of potential contenders after his devastating knockout win over Mark Munoz, but Silva’s camp appears uninterested in the bout.

On an episode of UFC Tonight, Ariel Helwani reported on who Silva’s management believes he should fight next.

The following was transcribed by MMA Mania:

As for Chris Weidman, he said, ‘Well, there’s another great unknown fighter.’ He doesn’t see those match ups as being money making pay-per-view events.

He did mention Luke Rockhold, who is the Strikeforce middleweight champion. Alas, Rockhold is contractually tied to Strikeforce, so that fight’s not happening. We’ll have to wait and see, but right now, the Anderson Silva camp not too excited about the options out there.

As middleweight champion, Silva has laid waste to the entire division. There isn’t a single marquee name he hasn’t already defeated.

A champion shouldn’t be concerned with these things. The UFC title strapped around Silva’s waist is proof he is the best in the world. Shouldn’t the “best in the world” be prepared to take on all comers?

Champions don’t get to pick and choose their opponents. They take on whomever is put in front of them.

The Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers six times in the NBA Finals in the 1960’s. They didn’t complain about marquee matches or teams not deserving a rematch. As champions, they played the best available contenders at that time.

Every fight isn’t going to be a blockbuster matchup. There will always be a hungry new contender who lacks notoriety, but he still somehow manage to climb into title contention.

Weidman is the perfect example of such a fighter. He is coming off a pair of impressive victories, and his style presents an interesting test for the middleweight champ.

After his highlight reel knockout over Munoz, Weidman respectfully called out Silva during an appearance on MMAWeekly Radio.

I feel like I really deserve it. I beat two top five guys and I think I’m a stylistic nightmare for Anderson Silva. I would love to get that shot. No one else is on a five fight win streak and beat the quality of guys I’ve beaten. I’m ready to speak up a little bit, just be confident in my abilities and respectfully call out Anderson Silva.

Once upon a time, Silva was a UFC newcomer, and Rich Franklin was content in giving him a title shot despite him having only one win inside the Octagon.

If Silva isn’t willing to take on all comers, he should consider retiring from the sport. He has already made it very clear that he won’t move up for any more fights in the light heavyweight division.

Other than expanding upon an already incredible legacy, the only things left for Silva at 185 pounds are rematches and fresh-faced contenders. He has to find a way to rekindle that same fire that propelled him past relatively unknown contenders in Travis Lutter, Thales Leites and Patrick Cote.

If anything, it would at least hold him over until scientists are capable of creating a suitable clone as an opponent.

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Report: Alan Belcher vs. Vitor Belfort Being Targeted for UFC 153 in Rio


(Buy all of the Lombard stock you can….wait…he WHAT?! THEN SELL DAMMIT, SELL!!) 

If you are the type of MMA fan that gets his news from CagePotato and only CagePotato, we’d like to thank you for your dedication. Surely you will be rewarded in the afterlife for your selfless sacrifice. At the same time, you’ve more than likely missed out on all of the middleweight calamity that has happened over the past few days, as we deemed it less important than photos of mutilated hands, anti-Mandy Moore smear campaigns, and things of that nature. Clearly we made the right choice, but like we said, we appreciate your dedication.

To sum up the middleweight soap opera in a few sentences, Vitor Belfort tried to call out Chris Weidman, stating both a respect for the fact that Weidman is the top dog at 185 (as we previously stated), and realizing that a win over Weidman would be the easiest path to another shot at Anderson Silva. Weidman promptly denied Belfort, claiming that he had all the respect in the world for the former LHW champ, but simply put, “[he] had his shot” and “right now is my time.”

Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Mississippi, Johnny Cash enthusiast Alan Belcher switched his sights from Michael Bisping to that of Vitor Belfort, which seemed appropriate to us considering that we also called for this matchup. Being that there is no way in hell that a fight between Belfort and Belcher could be anything short of extraordinary, for reals this time, we imagine that most of you agreed with us.

Well, it appears that the dominoes are falling into place like a house of cards, because Belfort and Belcher have verbally agreed to face one another at UFC 153 in Rio, via their respective Twitter accounts.

Hear what was said after the jump.


(Buy all of the Lombard stock you can….wait…he WHAT?! THEN SELL DAMMIT, SELL!!) 

If you are the type of MMA fan that gets his news from CagePotato and only CagePotato, we’d like to thank you for your dedication. Surely you will be rewarded in the afterlife for your selfless sacrifice. At the same time, you’ve more than likely missed out on all of the middleweight calamity that has happened over the past few days, as we deemed it less important than photos of mutilated hands, anti-Mandy Moore smear campaigns, and things of that nature. Clearly we made the right choice, but like we said, we appreciate your dedication.

To sum up the middleweight soap opera in a few sentences, Vitor Belfort tried to call out Chris Weidman, stating both a respect for the fact that Weidman is the top dog at 185 (as we previously stated), and realizing that a win over Weidman would be the easiest path to another shot at Anderson Silva. Weidman promptly denied Belfort, claiming that he had all the respect in the world for the former LHW champ, but simply put, “[he] had his shot” and “right now is my time.”

Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Mississippi, Johnny Cash enthusiast Alan Belcher switched his sights from Michael Bisping to that of Vitor Belfort, which seemed appropriate to us considering that we also called for this matchup. Being that there is no way in hell that a fight between Belfort and Belcher could be anything short of extraordinary, for reals this time, we imagine that most of you agreed with us.

Well, it appears that the dominoes are falling into place like a house of cards, because Belfort and Belcher have verbally agreed to face one another at UFC 153 in Rio, via their respective Twitter accounts.

Belcher hinted at the fight yesterday with the following:

“My next fight will be the biggest of my career! I may be taking a trip down south, very south. #UFC #belcher4champ“

“I will fight anyone.although I want to fight someone who will challenge me!I want to fight @vitorbelfort in his home country in October #UFC“

To which Vitor responded:

“#belcher lets make this fight #ufcrio in oct 13″

Although there has yet to be an official confirmation from the UFC as of this writing, the fight is listed on both men’s Sherdog pages, and you gotta imagine that this will be booked in the immediate future. Not only is Vitor a huge draw in Brazil, but the aforementioned fireworks are all but guaranteed when these two collide.

Belfort has picked up two straight stoppage wins since ending up on Anderson Silva’s highlight reel at UFC 126, first pummeling Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 133, then choking Anthony Johnson’s fat ass right out of the UFC at UFC 142. He was scheduled to face off against long time rival Wanderlei Silva at UFC 147, but suffered a hand injury in training that forced him to pull out from the main event matchup. Currently, oddsmakers have Belfort as a slight favorite over Belcher, but also have the likelihood of “The Phenom” withdrawing due to last minute injury at -1600.

Belcher, on the other hand, has scored four straight victories in the UFC, most recently telling said oddsmakers to go f*ck themselves by pounding out the heavily favored Rousimar Palhares at UFC on FOX 3. Belcher has also finished five of his last 6 opponents inside of the second round, and has not truly lost since getting upset by Jason Day at UFC 83 (yes, I am saying that his UFC 100 fight with Sexyama was a draw at worst. Deal with it.).

UFC 153 is scheduled to go down at the HSBC Arena in Rio De Janeiro on October 13th.

Who do you like for this, Potato Nation?

–J. Jones

Anderson Silva: Who Really Deserves the Next Shot at "the Spider’s" Crown?

If you’re not in the loop yet, this is the scenario regarding Anderson Silva’s UFC 185-pound title. Long story short, almost every top-10 contender has staked a claim at being the most deserving of a tilt at “The Spider’s”…

If you’re not in the loop yet, this is the scenario regarding Anderson Silva’s UFC 185-pound title. Long story short, almost every top-10 contender has staked a claim at being the most deserving of a tilt at “The Spider’s” coveted crown.

Normally the headline question would’ve been answered in the first two or three lines of the lede paragraph, but I’ll leave that until the end, and then let you the masses have the final speak on it.

Prior to UFC 149, Dana White and Company had the whole middleweight title picture mapped out—ex-Bellator 185-pound freight train, Hector Lombard, more or less had his name etched in stone apropos the next title shot.

All he had to do was win impressively, but the assumption was a victory nonetheless would’ve have sufficed. That never came to pass, as Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch brought an abrupt halt to the Lombard hype train and, through no fault of his own, inadvertently sent the middleweight contendership into utter disarray.

For obvious reasons, Chael Sonnen and Lombard don’t make the cut, while 205-pounder Rashad Evans isn’t really a legit contender at the moment.

Here’s a quick look at the would-be contenders, their current B/R MMA rankings for the month of July and their credentials (last two outings) for a shot at the Holy Grail:

 

Vitor Belfort: Ranked No. 4

The erstwhile UFC light heavyweight champion failed in his attempt to unseat the division’s perennial kingpin—losing in dramatic fashion. He has, however, bounced back with wins over Yoshihiro Akiyama and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson.

“The Phenom” is hell-bent on vying for the title one more time before he hangs ‘em up, and he believes his route to UFC glory lies in the hands of Chris Weidman. He recently tweeted his intentions of fighting the young gun, but Weidman politely turned him down.

 

Michael Bisping: Ranked No. 5

“The Count” has been plying his trade in the Zuffa-based promotion for just over six-years, and has yet to get a whiff of pure gold. The closest the Brit came to tangling with The Spider’s web was back at UFC on FOX 2—a title eliminator bout with the “gangster” from West Linn, Ore., which he lost via a unanimous—and controversial—decision.

Prior to the aforementioned defeat, Bisping sent Jason “Mayhem” Miller into retirement via TKO.

He’s next slated to throw hands with Brian Stann at UFC 152—a contest that will have dire ramifications as to whether he’ll belong in that inner circle of potential contenders.

That being said, Bisping is also one of two combatants who strenuously think they’ve merited a title shot more than the others.

 

Brian Stann: Ranked No. 6

Although Stann lost to Sonnen, he rebounded with a victory over Alessio Sakara. However, the ex-marine’s chances of serious contendership are slim at best. Still, a win against Bisping could automatically thrust him smack-bang in the middleweight title mix.

 

Chris Weidman: Ranked No. 7

So far, “The All-American” has been the most vociferous of the bunch.

According to the New York native, he’s ready and can submit and/or finish Silva with a full camp behind him. Now that’s moxy for you, or just supreme confidence in his abilities.

Weidman is on a mission to prove he’s worthy of locking horns with MMA’s greatest fighter, and thus far has come up trumps with wins over Demian Maia (he took the fight on short notice) and Mark Munoz, whom he sent spiralling down the rungs of the UFC middleweight ranks.

 

Tim Boetsch: Ranked No. 8

As earlier mentioned, Boetsch threw a monkey wrench into the middleweight picture after barely extinguishing “The Lightning” of Cuban-born Lombard. Previous to that fight, he just about survived a Yushin Okami onslaught, before pulling off an incredible come-from-behind TKO to ensure his title aspirations were still intact.

The Barbarian is convinced a title tilt is in the offing, and reminiscent of his contemporary Weidman, is confident he too can submit Silva.

We’ll see.

 

Alan Belcher: Ranked No. 9

“The Talent” has an unwavering certitude that he’s as good as anyone in the current contender’s melting pot to mount a challenge against Silva, and he probably has a point.

He did submit Jason McDonald and stopped heel hook submission specialist Rousimar Palhares.

Nevertheless, it seems Belcher could be throwing hands with The Phenom at UFC 153.

 

So there you have it, those who would be king.

That being said, Weidman gets my unequivocal vote for most deserved of the next title shot, due to the fact he upended No. 3 contender Munoz.

Belfort, although impressive in his last two outings, his opponents weren’t exactly the cream of the middleweight crop, and as such he’s out of the equation.

From a business perspective, Bisping would be the ideal contender, but he has to get past Stann first and then it’s up to the UFC hierarchy to set things in motion.

From my point of view, Stann, Boetsch and Belcher, for now, just don’t cut the mustard.

 

For additional information, follow Nedu Obi on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC News: Vitor Belfort Accepts Alan Belcher’s Challenge, UFC 153 Bout Likely

Alan “The Talent” Belcher asked fellow middleweight contender Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort for “the biggest fight of his career” and the Brazilian has accepted. Both fighters have also agreed to fight at UFC 153 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, so the fig…

Alan “The Talent” Belcher asked fellow middleweight contender Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort for “the biggest fight of his career” and the Brazilian has accepted. 

Both fighters have also agreed to fight at UFC 153 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, so the fight simply awaits confirmation from the world’s premiere fight organization. 

“He is the best fighter in the division and most dangerous”, Belcher told Tatame. “My ranking, I feel I am the best. I will fight to prove it. If I lose, then I’m wrong”.

Belcher was not the first choice for Belfort, a former UFC light heavyweight champion: he wanted undefeated rising star “The All-American” Chris Weidman. 

Belfort called out Weidman on Twitter, who’s fresh off of a vicious knockout of Mark Munoz earlier this month, but the Serra-Longo Fight Team product respectfully declined via the social media. 

Prior to UFC 149, UFC president Dana White talked about his excitement level for his plan for the 185 pound division, but Hector Lombard losing to Tim Boetsch on that card clearly led to a change of plans. 

The fact that “The Barbarian” suffered a broken foot in the bout couldn’t have helped matters, either.

Being that Belcher has been campaigning for this fight, it should come as no surprise he is confident he will win and go on to face reigning middleweight kingpin, Anderson Silva.

“I believe I will beat him when I get an opportunity,” Belcher told Tatame regarding “the Spider.”

“There is no other fighter that possesses my skills in the division. Size, power, speed, black belt BJJ, well rounded striking, heart and drive,” Belcher said.

Since losing his title bid against Silva at UFC 126, Belfort has bounced back with finishes over Yoshihiro Akiyama and Anthony Johnson. 

Meanwhile, Belcher has won four in a row, including a career-defining technical knockout of Rousimar Palhares in May. 

Coincidentally, Belcher’s last loss was a controversial split decision against Akiyama back at UFC 100.

Should the winner of Belcher-Belfort get the next shot at Silva, or has Weidman already proved his right to fight for the gold?

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

Vitor Belfort Wants to Fight Chris Weidman, but ‘The All-American’ Declines

Vitor Belfort has taken to Twitter to voice his interest in fighting the UFC’s newest rising star Chris Weidman. However, “The All-American”’s response via the same medium was a respectful, but emphatic no. Belfort’s tweet: Guys…

Vitor Belfort has taken to Twitter to voice his interest in fighting the UFC’s newest rising star Chris Weidman. However, “The All-American”’s response via the same medium was a respectful, but emphatic no.

Belfort’s tweet:

Guys I spoke to joe silva and ask to fight with the top contender #weidman here in brasil so I think this is the fight that will credence me to a title fight so that is what happened. 
I want the belt but I am not desperate I think weidman is the next for the belt,but Anderson silva deserve to see who is next .So let`s make this fight the next #contender belfort vs weidman the next contender for #andersonsilva.

Weidman’s response:

Love ya @vitorbelfort but you already had your shot at the belt and Im sure u will have another in the future.Rt now is my time though @ufc.

As Weidman alluded to, the former UFC 205-pound titlist has already had one shot at “The Spider”’s crown and that didn’t go according to plan, as he was the recipient of a beautifully timed front kick which put him down and several punches later, out for the count.

Since that ignominious and humbling night, “The Phenom” has racked up back-to-back victories against Yoshihiro Akiyami and Anthony Johnson. He was last slated to throw hands with arch rival Wanderlei Silva at UFC 147, but pulled out after incurring a broken hand whilst training.

Conversely, Weidman’s trajectory to the Holy Grail has been gathering some serious momentum. In his last two outings he defeated BJJ wizard Demian Maia and recently steamrolled top middleweight contender Mark Munoz.

 

Following Hector Lombard’s less than stellar debut at UFC 149, the 185-pound division is now wide open with apropos who gets a tilt a Silva’s belt.

Nonetheless, the most likely candidate and some would say most deserved of that shot is none other than Weidman.

But the fact remains the 28-year-old Baldwin, New Yorker presently lacks that essential star quality to generate a Sonnen-esque interest, and as a consequence could find himself on the outside looking in until he impressively beats an eminent MMA name.

That’s where Belfort comes in.

If Weidman eventually elects to take the bait and all parties concerned are in agreement, a victory against a seasoned campaigner such as Belfort will shoot his profile through the roof.

 

For additional information, follow Nedu Obi on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 149 Results: Chris Weidman Deserves the Next Shot at Anderson Silva

Chris Weidman deserves the next shot at Anderson Silva, as Weidman is the only man currently in the division who has a legitimate chance at beating “The Spider.”What other fighters are really worthy?Should Michael Bisping get a title shot after beating…

Chris Weidman deserves the next shot at Anderson Silva, as Weidman is the only man currently in the division who has a legitimate chance at beating “The Spider.”

What other fighters are really worthy?

Should Michael Bisping get a title shot after beating Brian Stann at UFC 152? Bisping, aside from not beating anyone spectacular, is a horrible matchup for Silva and would be beaten decisively. Bisping is a striker with a questionable chin; just the type of fighter Anderson Silva eats for breakfast.

What about Brian Stann?

If Stann beats Bisping, should he get the shot? After all, he’ll be on a two-fight win streak if he beats Bisping. However, Stann, too, is at a stylistic disadvantage against Silva. Silva vs. Stann would resemble Silva vs. Leben or Silva vs. Griffin (an aggressive striker attacking Silva and then Silva moving out of the way and completely clowning them). 

Alan Belcher, even though he’s been on a remarkable run, would suffer the same fate as Stann. 

Vitor Belfort is still unworthy after losing to Silva in such dramatic fashion, as wins over Yoshihiro Akiyama and an overweight Anthony Johnson don’t make him worthy of a title shot.

Rashad Evans would have a chance against Silva should he choose to move down to middleweight, but giving Evans an immediate shot would hardly be fair to Weidman, who has earned his keep in the division and proven that he’s truly a force to be reckoned with.

Thus, Weidman is the only fighter at middleweight who truly deserves a chance at Anderson Silva. He has the wrestling, the submissions, the strength, the style and the tenacity to win. 

Now is Weidman’s time for a title shot—not Bisping’s, not Stann’s, not Belcher’s nor anyone else’s. 

 

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