Vitor Belfort

By Michael Hatamoto

The UFC middleweight division has a new champion after underdog Chris Weidman shocked the world and finished Anderson Silva during their UFC 162 main event fight.

As for what’s next for Weidman in his first title defense, UFC President Dana White expects Weidman to offer Silva a rematch. Vitor Belfort is likely next in line but will probably need to wait until 2014 to get another chance at the title.

“Anderson Silva has gone undefeated since 2006 and has beat everybody and held the title. He deserves the rematch. Chris Weidman said that before he even fought him. Vitor is just going to have to wait. He’s not getting the rematch. He can text. He can Tweet. He can write f—king letters. He can call his Congressman. He can do whatever he wants to do. He’s going to have to wait. Anderson Silva is getting the rematch.”

I think Belfort has to be patient and understand that it’s only fair Silva gets a rematch so he can try to get the middleweight championship back. I doubt Silva will be cocky and keep his hands down during the rematch, and if he’s motivated and hungry to engage, we might get to see the type of fight many expected to see last night.

Silva said post-fight he isn’t interested in chasing championships anymore, but I would give him time to consider his future. I doubt he’ll get through the entire 10-fight contract he recently signed, but the 38-year-old Brazilian might only want high-profile fights.