Dana White: Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman “Closer and More Possible Than People Think”

Chris Weidman has made it clear that he wants to fight UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva next, and the fight may be closer to reality that ever before.

Ever since his win over Mark Munoz last summer, Weidman has been vocal about landing a shot at Silva, and remarking how he believes he would be a nightmare match-up for the greatest champion in UFC history.

Currently, Weidman is on the sidelines nursing a surgically repaired shoulder, but after meeting with UFC President Dana White last weekend, it sounds like the fight he’s been wishing for could happen in the near future.

“I think that fight’s closer and more possible than people think. I actually thought Weidman was going to be out a lot longer than he was because of his injury, but he’s healed up pretty well and is claiming he’ll be ready to start training again in a couple months,” White revealed when speaking to UFC Tonight.

“We’re looking at a couple of different options right now, some options that we like, and Weidman’s one of them.”

Now, White has mentioned as recently as last weekend that there is some mystery scenario the UFC is awaiting to be played out before they announce who will next face Anderson Silva in the Octagon.

“We’re waiting on something, we want to see if this thing pans out, and when we’re ready to announce it, we’ll announce it,” White said about Silva’s next title defense.

The caveat that most people keep believing that White is referencing is former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, who faces Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at this weekend’s UFC 156 card.

Evans has hinted at a possible move to middleweight so long as the fight was either for the title or against a top contender. Fighting Anderson Silva would obviously accomplish that goal, and if Evans can win this weekend, he could be the mystery fighter the UFC is waiting on.

Only time will tell however who Anderson Silva will face next, and if Chris Weidman is indeed the choice.