The victory lap for newly-crowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman continues, with "All American" making a recent appearance on "Highly Questionable" with Dan Le Batard and Bomani Jones on ESPN2.
Even though Weidman shocked the world with a second round knockout win over Anderson Silva at UFC 162 more than one week ago (July 6, 2013) in Las Vegas, Nevada (watch it here), the amazing accomplishment continues to dominate mixed martial arts (MMA) -- and even mainstream sports -- headlines.
He even squashed a beef with Stephen A. Smith on the same media tour.
Not to be outdone, Weidman dished to Le Batard, his father and Jones on his epic "kiss" with "The Spider" during the weigh-in staredown (see it here), claiming that he "didn't mean to kiss him, he didn't mean to kiss me." He also spoke about the shot heard 'round the MMA world, one that he claims came courtesy of Silva's clown-like antics.
His words:
"You have no idea what is going to happen when you get into the Octagon. If you have any insecurities at all, [Anderson Silva] will expose that -- he's going to bring them out and make you pay. He'll put his hands down, he'll put his hands on his hips, he'll talk and make you feel like you don't belong in the Octagon with him. I knew what he was doing. I just had to remain mentally strong and confident. And that's what I did. I was prepared [for the clowning], but I did react. I was like, 'How dare you, you're doing this to me?' Are you joking? I had that attitude. I'm like, 'You're not even hitting me -- you're taunting and taunting. Hit me in the face, I don't care!' That was my attitude, but then it got to the point where I'm throwing punches until I land and crack him. And that's how I finished the fight."
Silva has since defended his Octagon antics, claiming that it was -- and always will be -- "part of the show." UFC President Dana White also rushed to his defense, reminding fight fans that Silva's unpredictable behavior is part of what makes him so great.
The good news is that Silva will have the opportunity to correct his mistake at UFC 168 on Dec. 28, 2013, at MGM Grand Garden Arena, which is when the talented 185-pair will run back their memorable first encounter.
Whether or not Silva brings back the "razzle dazzle" in their year-end rematch remains to be seen. It clearly elicited a reaction from the disciplined Weidman, but it was nowhere near the one he anticipated.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Latest From Our Partners
Get the latest gear
