Anderson Silva would be 'happy' to fight Chris Weidman in third UFC title fight

Third time the charm?

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight titleholder Anderson Silva is making his long-awaited return to the Octagon at the upcoming UFC 183 pay-per-view (PPV) event on Jan. 31, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada (details). And if he can get past Nick Diaz, "The Spider" won't rule out another crack at the 185-pound crown.

Even if it means a third dance with Chris Weidman.

Silva lost his title to the "All American" in the main event of UFC 162 back in July 2013. Fans of the Brazilian attributed that loss to his in-cage antics, and insist he would not have been knocked out if he wasn't clowning around. Well, he got his chance to prove it at UFC 168 later that year, and once again came up short.

But not because Weidman beat him, but rather because Silva had an accident.

That's the kind of legacy-tarnishing talk that makes him sound "delirious" (according to this guy). But to Silva's fans, it may take a third fight -- as well as a convincing finish -- to put this rivalry to bed. Fortunately, the Brazilian told Passando a Guarda (via MMA Fighting) he's game:

"I think about fighting for the title again, of course. I have seven fights left in my contract. I will fight the fights I have left in my contract and, if I earn a chance to fight for the title one day, against (Weidman) or not -- not being a friend or a training partner -- I will be happy."

He will be happy ... but how about you?