MMA legend Anderson Silva appears to have changed his mind about having a rematch with UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman four months after he said it wouldn't happen.
Before "The Spider" can get a chance to avenge his losses to the "All American," he will have to focus on beating Nick Diaz on Jan. 31 in Las Vegas in his first fight back since his last bout with Weidman, according to MMA Fighting. The two previous fights between Silva and Weidman took place in the UFC in 2013, both resulting in a victory for Weidman.
He said that if he earns a shot, he would be "happy" to fight for the title and face Weidman for a third time.
"I think about fighting for the title again, of course," Silva said in an interview to his manager Jorge Guimaraes on Passando a Guarda.
The former champion added that he has a chance to get a title shot, as he currently has seven fights left in his contract with the UFC, according to Bloody Elbow.
"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."
Diaz, a former Strikeforce welterweight champion, could present a challenge for Silva, who said their fight will be "the best striking match of all-time," according to MMA Fighting. The bout will take place one month before Weidman is scheduled to defend his middleweight title against Vitor Belfort.
Silva said he was excited to be making his return to the UFC, and even complimented Diaz on his technique and physical condition.
"If Nick does a clean fight, if he fights standing without stalling, we'll do a spectacular fight," he said. "Nick has a great boxing and it's going to be a fantastic fight. Every UFC fan will like it."
