Anderson Silva is the middleweight champion of the UFC since 2006. The athlete, who turned 38 years old this week and is seen by many as the greatest fighter of all time, is used to seeing competitors asking for a chance against him in the UFC.
His next challenge will be on July 6 in Las Vegas against Chris Weidman, a young American talent that is unbeaten in nine fights. But what is nine compared to 37 combats in Spider’s career? This was a question never asked by the holder of the belt, despite what his team thinks. Since the duel between the two was set, Weidman has broadcasted to the four winds to be the right person to win against the idol, in a scathing and shocking way.
Until this Monday, April 15, Anderson hadn’t said a word about his next opponent, but in Sao Paulo during an ad shooting for a shavers campaign the fighter broke his silence and showed the attitude of a true champion:
“Weidman is almost ten years younger than me, but should be respected. He is leading the fight in a healthy way and we will have a great fight,” said Anderson.
His contract with the UFC ends in early 2014. When asked about the renewal, “Spider” revealed he plans to keep fighting, and he can perform the ten fights proposed by the organization, as long as they are within a period set by him:
“If I can fit all these fights in five years it will be great, otherwise I will be in debt with UFC fans,” concluded the champion.
UFC 162
MGM Grand Casino Hotel, Las Vegas
July 6, 2013
Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman
Mark Muñoz vs. Tim Boetsch
Roger Gracie vs. Tim Kennedy
Chris Leben vs. Andrew Craig
Charles Do Bronx vs. Frankie Edgar
Shane Del Rosario vs. Dave Herman
Ricardo Lamas vs. Chan Sung Jung
Edson Barboza vs. John Makdessi
Seth Baczynski vs. Brian Melancon
David Mitchell vs. Mike Pierce
Cub Swanson vs. Dennis Siver