Chris Weidman ‘shocked and confused’ at Anderson Silva’s decision to fight Bonnar instead of him

Surging UFC Middleweight contender Chris Weidman appeared last night on the latest episode of Fuel TV’s “UFC Tonight” to speak up about his confusion and disappointment at champion Anderson Silva‘s choice to turn down a fight with him for a bout with Stephan Bonnar. Weidman is considered the legitimate number-one contender by some, who view his mix of powerful wrestling and submissions as the only true threat to the long-standing king. Still, Silva’s camp has denied that fight, citing a lack of drawing power as the reason, and up until the Bonnar fight being announced, were leaning towards Silva taking the rest of the year off. Weidman spoke up about the strange situation:

“I was a little shocked, confused, disappointed. I had actually had just ended up getting elbow surgery about a week ago … and the same week I find out Anderson Silva is now fighting Stephan Bonnar in UFC 153. It’s tough. This whole time him and his manager were very dead set on not fighting until 2013. They didn’t really give a reason, but they just wanted to wait until 2013. And I thought that was a little fishy that all of the sudden now they pick up a fight like it’s no big deal. But this whole time it’s being said I’m the No. 1 contender, and nothing’s going on with that. They’re saying it’s not a marketable fight. A guy who’s ranked No. 2 in most the polls now wouldn’t be a marketable fight for them because I don’t have that many fights. But it doesn’t matter. I’m the No. 1 contender. He should fight me.”

Does Chris Weidman have a point here, or is it jus the advent of saving an event that Anderson Silva is stepping into the ring at UFC 153? It would seem that even though Weidman is on the mend from elbow surgery, his day against Silva is only a matter of time away, but who knows these days. Weidman has displayed that he is a threat to anyone at 185 lbs., let’s hope his title shot is not too far off.