UFC NEWS: Chris Weidman Anticipates Anderson Silva’s Return

Chris Weidman defeated Anderson Silva not once, but twice, and his last victory over the Brazilian mixed martial artist nearly caused Silva his entire Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) career. Silva is currently recovering from the brutal leg injury he suffered from his last fight against Weidman at UFC 168. UFC fans anticipate Silva's return to the octagon ring and so does Weidman.

Speaking to MMAJunkie.com, Weidman revealed that he fully supports Silva's comeback in the UFC, only if he is in tip-top shape.

"If he comes back healthy and his mind's in the right place, I'd love to see him come back," said Weidman. According to the 29-year-old UFC Middleweight Champion, Silva has to listen to what the voice in the back of his mind is saying to him. He said that Silva, who celebrates his 39^th birthday on April 14, should gauge himself. Weidman said that the Brazilian mixed martial artist should evaluate his current condition before he decides to step back into the ring.

"He had such a confidence in him, if he doesn't have that anymore, then I hope he doesn't come back."

"But if he comes back and he loves it and he's truly confident and injury-free, I'd love for him to come back," said Weidman.

UFC President Dana White on Silva's Recovery

Meanwhile, UFC president Dana White has high hopes that Silva will be able to make a comeback before 2014 is over. The doctor showed him how Silva's was recuperating and he was told the affected bone is healing so fast. "He could fight by the end of the year," said White. However, White made it clear that just because it is possible for Silva to return to the octagon ring in 2014 doesn't mean that the universe will align itself to make it really happen.

"He could hurt in training, anything is possible, or start training again and not feel the same."

"Anything can happen," White stated.

Silva Back on his Feet

Silva is back on his feet. He has been training while waiting for his injury to completely heal. He is completely walking without crutches and even doing some sparring. Who knows? He may well be really headed to the octagon ring sooner than people expected.

While Silva is continuing his recovery, Weidman will keep on fighting. The American mixed martial artist is slated to face Vitor Belfort in the main event of UFC 173 in May.