Alan Belcher

By Michael Hatamoto

UFC middleweight contender Alan Belcher is tired of sitting around and waiting for an opponent, saying he wants a tough fight.

After several potential matchups fell through, Belcher welcomes a fight against Chris Weidman.  Weidman most recently fought at UFC on Fuel TV: Munoz vs. Weidman, picking up a vicious knockout win against former contender Mark Munoz.

Here is what Belcher’s manager Malki Kawa recently told MMAWeekly:

“We think Chris Weidman is the fight out there right now.  If we could fight anybody, if we had our choice, Chris Weidman would be the guy.  I think fans, media and everybody alike has Chris Weidman as the No. 1 contender at this point, and after he beat Mark Munoz I think everybody has him as the No. 1 guy. I’m not sure what Joe Silva is thinking, not sure what Dana (White) is thinking, but if he’s the No. 1 guy, Alan Belcher would love to fight him.”

Since losing a split-decision to Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 100 in July 2009, Belcher has picked up four consecutive wins – all finishes – including a TKO win against submission fighter Rousimar Palhares.

It has become harder for Belcher to find opponents anxious to face him due to his success, and only a true contender will likely take the matchup.

Belcher welcomed a fight with middleweight champion Anderson Silva, but also welcomed a fight with Michael Bisping.  A potential fight with Bisping fell through when the UFC matched him up with Brian Stann, and now the American fighter is waiting patiently for an opponent.

There are so many options available for UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, and the winner from Belcher vs. Weidman certainly could be the new No. 1 contender.