Chris Weidman Next Fight vs Vitor Belfort If Only 'The Phenom' Can be Trusted

After defeating Lyoto Machida, UFC middleweight champion, Chris Weidman, wants to fight Brazilian fighter, Vitor Belfort. 

At UFC 175, Weidman defeated Machida who also gave the former a hard beating during the end part of the match, Low Kick reported. But the same article noted that Weidman is still dealing with some injuries which can, in one way or another, affect his next fight.

In an interview during the MMA Hour, Weidman expressed his interest to fight Belfort, saying that the latter is "the guy who is rightfully next in line."

"I do want to fight Vitor Belfort. He's the guy who's been floating around the top for awhile now. He's another legend. I've kind of grew to enjoy fighting legends that I got into the sport watching and admiring. Obviously he has his drug test issue going on. I hope somehow he can figure it out and we can get him licensed and, I really don't know how that's working. But that's the guy I do want to fight," he added during the interview.

According to MMA Fighting, Belfort has been the top contender for Weidman after he defeated Dan Henderson last year. The same report added that Weidman and Belfort was supposed to clash at UFC 173 but had to be put off since Weidman had to undergo knee surgery.

The fighter that Machida wants to face, according to MMA Fighting, was busted for steroids in 2006 while visiting Las Vegas. Belfort needs to go before the Nevada Athletic Commission to secure a license to fight in the locality. Machida added that he would recommend that Belfort be tested thoroughly before he can fight him.

In a similar report, Low Kick discussed that the Weidman and Belfort fight will be a "great spectacle" but that the latter's drug issues could hinder any matchup plans.

If the fight with Belfort fails to materialize, Weidman is looking at Gegard Mousasi and Luke Rockhold as other potential opponents in his upcoming fight.

Asked if he is also ready to fight welterweight champ, Johny Hendricks, Weidman told MMA Fighting that he is not sure if he would entertain the idea.

"Not that he's not good or anything like that, but it just doesn't make any sense to talk about it now. [Hendricks] hasn't defended his belt yet, and I have more people to fight in my weight class. On top of that, I would never call out a guy who's smaller than me. I'm a lot bigger than him, I think. I know he walks around heavy but I'd feel like I'd have a huge advantage in that fight, so I'm not calling him out," he explained.