Anderson Silva: Chris Weidman rematch will be “tougher fight” for Luke Rochold

In the co-main event of UFC 194 Luke Rockhold defeated Chris Weidman via 4th round TKO to claim the UFC middleweight championship.

Rockhold’s win was so dominant that many were wondering whether or not Weidman would get an immediate rematch. In addition, on the main card of UFC 194 Yoel Romero defeated Jacare Souza via split decision to become the #1 contender at middleweight.

Shortly after UFC 194 it was revealed that Yoel Romero had potentially failed a drug test, and had been suspended indefinitely. The UFC moved forward with booking a Jacare vs. Belfort matchup which many believed to be a #1 contender fight.

Earlier this week UFC President Dana White confirmed that Luke Rockhold vs. Chris Weidman II would go down at UFC 199.

Former UFC middleweight kingpin Anderson Silva spoke to Passando a Guarda to discuss his thoughts on the rematch.

MMAFighting has the translation of the interview:

“I think it’s fair. He was the champion, had good wins on his last fights, defeated tough opponents, and deserves respect from everyone, especially the other middleweights. He deserves this immediate rematch against Rockhold.”

“It was an interesting fight. Luke put some pressure that Weidman wasn’t used to. We haven’t seen him fight five rounds with quality. It’s hard to talk about this fight or criticize Weidman or Rockhold. They are both great fighters.”

Given the announcement of the rematch, Silva was asked to give his thoughts on the outcome.

“It’s a tough, tough fight. I believe Weidman will train the things he did wrong in the last fight, and it’s going to be a tougher fight for Rockhold.”