Video: Chris Weidman wants Anderson Silva to return – but only if he's confident

Most people in MMA have an opinion on the potential return of Anderson Silva, and the only man to beat him twice definitely has some thoughts.

Chris Weidman knocked Silva out at UFC 162 this past July. In the rematch in December, Weidman checked a Silva leg kick, snapping the former middleweight champ’s left leg like a twig in one of the most horrific injuries in MMA history.

But somewhat miraculously, Silva is on the mend. Videos have surfaced of him walking without crutches, and it’s possible the famed Brazilian could be back by year’s end.

Weidman said he’s all about Silva returning to the octagon – but only if he’s fully healed, both physically and mentally.

“If he comes back healthy and his mind’s in the right place, I’d love to see him come back,” Weidman recently told MMAjunkie. “But if he comes back and he’s truly not healthy, if he’s not kicking with that leg like he used to, if he’s not mentally confident like he usually was – he had such a confidence about him – if he doesn’t have that anymore, then I hope he doesn’t come back.

“But if he comes back and he loves it and he’s truly confident and injury-free, I’d love for him to come back.”

Check out the video above for Weidman’s thoughts on Silva, on the potential for a fight with light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and what his mindset will be for his upcoming title fight against Belfort.