Dana White: I’d like to see Anderson Silva at 205

By Evan Stoumbelis

UFC President Dana White expressed his vision of Anderson Silva moving up to the light heavyweight division and making a run at the 205 pound strap Thursday during the UFC 156 press conference. Silva has fought in the light heavyweight division three times during his career, going 3-0 with 3 first round finishes, his first light heavyweight fight was in 2008 against James Irvin, then in 2009 against Forrest Griffin, and then against Stephan Bonnar this past October.

White went on to say “I’d love to see Anderson at 205. If Anderson moved up to 205-pounds, it would be so fun. I mean, people would go crazy over that, if he started to work his way up in the 205-pound division, take on a number one contender and if he wins he fights for the title.”

Silva expressed his disinterest in moving up to light heavyweight before his fight with Stephan Bonnar in October saying, “There’s always been a lot of talk about me moving up to 205,” said Silva, “I know Dana has talked about it and all the fans have talked about me moving up and facing Jon Jones. But it’s something I’ve never wanted.”

Regardless, Dana has hopes for the possibility of a superfight between Silva, and light heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones.

If Silva doesn’t move up, it appears his next opponent will be either former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans, or undefeated Chris Weidman.