Chris Weidman Knew He’d Have to Beat Anderson Silva Twice to Silence the Doubters

Heading into the UFC 162 middleweight title fight between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman, it was known that if Silva lost there would be an immediate rematch.

“Guy hasn’t lost in the UFC ever; has beat everybody. He loses that fight, he’s the guy for a rematch if he wants it,” said UFC president Dana White during a media luncheon days prior to the July 6 event.

Silva initially indicated that he didn’t want a rematch, but changed his mind after some reflection.  Weidman always knew he’d have to defeat Silva twice to prove it was no fluke the first time.

“He’s the greatest of all time.  People can’t fathom the fact that he lost.  I knew going into that fight we were going to have to have a rematch.  I was going to have to prove people wrong again,” said Weidman during a press conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Almost as fast as Silva’s body came crashing to the canvas following the left hand of Weidman in the second round of the UFC 162 main event, critics were saying Silva beat himself.  Doubters were voicing their opinions and the criticisms have served as motivation for Weidman.

“I have a lot of motivation just stemming from myself and family and other things like that, but definitely, it motivates me,” he said.  “I want to prove people wrong.  I like being the underdog.  I like having that feeling where people think you’re going to lose, and I’ll prove them wrong.”

The rematch is set for UFC 168 on Dec. 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  And while Weidman wants to prove people wrong again, he knows he won’t ever be able to silence them all.

“Even after this next fight, when I win, there’s still going to be a lot of doubters out there.  No matter what, there’s always going to be excuses out there for why you got the W.  That’s just part of the sport,” said the champion.