Chris Weidman (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

After returning to the win column last month at UFC Atlantic City, Chris Weidman is hoping to battle a top-ranked middleweight, and he agrees, Sean Strickland would fit that bill.

Weiman faced Bruno Silva at the March 30th event, and recorded a somewhat, controversial, stoppage win.The victory snapped the former champ’s two-fight, losing streak.

More recently, the 39-year-old Weidman (16-7) spoke with Michael Bisping. After Weidman reported that he wants to fight a big name next, Bisping proposed a fight between him and Strickland (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“I think I want a big name,” Weidman said. “I went with Bruno Silva – not a big name. I think it’s time to step up and have a fun fight that people want to see and people know me and him…”

“I would love that fight,” Weidman said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Strickland. I think it would be a fun buildup. I think he would bring me out of being such a nice guy. We could trash talk a little bit, have some fun. I would love that fight. I like his style. I like that he pushes the pace. I like to push the pace. He likes to get guys tired, so I’d like to test myself against a guy like that.”

Strickland (28-6) lost the middleweight title to Dricus Du Plessis via split decision in his last outing, which took place in January. More recently, however, Strickland reported he’s agreed to fight Paulo Costa next. It’s been reported the middleweight fight will take place on June 1st.

Currently, Weidman is not ranked in the top 15 of the UFC’s middleweight rankings, while Strickland is ranked #1.