Anderson Silva: “I Just Have to Capitalize on (Chris Weidman’s) Mistakes”

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva puts his 17-fight winning streak and title on the line at UFC 162 on July 6 against Chris Weidman. Despite many people saying Weidman has the tools to challenge the champ, Silva says he is ready.

“The fight is the fight.  I’m ready for the fight for a long time,” Silva told UFC.com.  “I will be prepared to fight.”

In his seven-year title reign, Silva has beaten opponents by every way imaginable: front kicks, punches, knees, elbows, chokes.  Twenty of his 33 wins have been by knockout.  The champion attributes his success to his training.

“I believe you train 100-percent, your results will be 100-percent,” he said.  “Everything that I do in the fight are things that I’ve trained.”

The undefeated Weidman (9-0) is an accomplished grappler, while Silva is the most accurate precision striker the sport has ever seen.  It’s a classic contrasting styles match-up and Silva believes the fighter that is able to combine all aspects of fighting will emerge the winner.

“Weidman got good jiu-jitsu and great wrestling.  But he needs work with his stand-up,” said Silva.  “Wrestling is not my best strength.  And I need to work on my wrestling.  You have to be able to combine all the martial arts to be successful.”

Weidman describes Silva as an opportunist, and that’s exactly what he is.

“Every fighter commits mistakes.  I just have to look for the right opportunity to capitalize on his mistakes,” said the champion.  “Everyone has their strong points.”

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