Chris Weidman has his sights set on a former champion.
Weidman (16-7 MMA, 12-7 UFC) returned to the win column with a unanimous choice win over Bruno Silva at UFC on ESPN 54 – a TKO end which was later dominated a unanimous choice after on the spot replay confirmed Weidman poking Silva within the eyes twice earlier than dropping him.
Albeit the controversial ending, Weidman want to return to combating extra notable names within the middleweight division.
“I believe I need a large identify,” Weidman mentioned on the “Consider You Me” podcast. “I went with Bruno Silva – not a giant identify. I believe it’s time to step up and have a enjoyable struggle that individuals need to see and other people know me and him.
“Bruno Silva, they didn’t actually know his identify, and I had no proper to choose my opponent. Not that I’m actually going to have the ability to choose my opponents, but when it was as much as me, I’d have an even bigger identify, a struggle which means a bit of bit extra with a win.”
Michael Bisping beforehand instructed Sean Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC), and former champion Weidman is all in for that concept. Strickland is presently booked towards Paulo Costa within the UFC 302 co-main occasion on June 1.
“I might love that struggle,” Weidman mentioned. “I’ve obtained numerous respect for Strickland. I believe it could be a enjoyable buildup. I believe he would deliver me out of being such a pleasant man. We may trash discuss a bit of bit, have some enjoyable. I might love that struggle. I like his fashion. I like that he pushes the tempo. I wish to push the tempo. He likes to get guys drained, so I’d like to check myself towards a man like that.”
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