UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva is arguably the most dominant champion currently fighting in the UFC. If UFC President Dana White has his way, Silva may be forced to vacate his title and compete exclusively as a light-heavyweight fighter in the near future.
Anderson Silva (26-4) is undefeated in 11 fights for the UFC, having won fights both as a middleweight and light-heavyweight. Silva is slated to take on top contender Chael Sonnen at UFC 117 in August for the middleweight championship. It could be Silva’s second-to-last fight in the division if White has his way.
White sees Sonnen and Vitor Belfort as the only to viable threats left at 185 to challenge Silva for the title. If Silva can beat both men, White will push for Silva to vacate the belt, move up in weight, and compete only as a light-heavyweight.
“In my opinion, [Anderson’s] got Chael, who’s earned a title shot, and he’s got Vitor Belfort,” White told the media Thursday. “Once he fights those two guys, he’s cleaned out that division, and I will press very hard for him to move to 205 pounds.”
Although Belfort hasn’t competed at as a middleweight for the UFC, and the fact that Silva’s handlers don’t feel he’s a worthy contender, White thinks he is the last challenge at 185 if Silva beats Sonnen.
“Vitor is a worthy opponent that I think people will want to see,” White said. “He’s a former champion at 205 pounds. He’s a legend in the sport. I’ve had my issues with Vitor in the past, too, but to say that Vitor isn’t a top contender at 185 is crazy.”
Silva seems to be more interested in fighting at both weights, so it will be interesting to see how things play out if Silva wins his next two fights. White usually is able to get what he wants, so Silva may very well be making a permanent switch to 205 pounds within the next year.
