UFC 168 Preview: Chris Weidman Vows To Defeat Anderson Silva Again But “The Spider” Promises Revenge In Rematch

Chris Weidman will look to prove that his win over Anderson Silva in their first meeting was no fluke when they collide anew in the main of UFC 168 on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Weidman, who stunned the world by dethroning longtime champion Silva in the second round of their UFC 162 showdown in July, expressed confidence about his chances, especially after his convincing win during their first meeting.

"I feel it's the same. It's just that there are fewer question marks now. I know what he feels like in there -- how fast he is, how strong he is. I've felt that already," Weidman said in a Sports Illustrated interview.

Weidman admitted that he was a bit intimidated before their first showdown, knowing that Silva is considered as the greatest champion in UFC history. But after knocking out Silva for the first time in the Brazilian's 16-year career, Weidman believes that he has already solved the Anderson Silva myth.

"Now I don't have to deal with the mystique of Anderson Silva, constantly having to tell himself, 'He's just human.' I know he is. I know I can beat him," Weidman said.

On the other hand, Silva vowed not to commit the same mistake that he made during their first fight.

The 38-year-old MMA superstar is known for his showboating antics inside the Octagon, but it backfired during his last fight.

Silva put his hands down when Weidman landed a left hander, showing that he was not hurt. Weidman then took advantage of Silva's antics as he unleashed a three-punch combination. The first two punches were dodged by Silva, but the third one landed solidly, leading to a scintillating knockout victory for the 29-year-old American.

"My mistakes in that fight and this is the first time I'm saying this, were basic mistakes," Silva told Sportstv. "I did everything I had to do except hit him. I didn't counterattack. When I stopped with my feet parallel, I should have hit him and walked one step behind. I didn't do that. I saw my mistakes and I'm working on that to train for this next fight."