With two fights left on his current contract and being vocally open about the idea of expanding the current one, middleweight champion Anderson Silva (33-4) is someone everybody wants a chance to defeat. Recently, Silva's management team didn't show interest in a possible Chris Weidman (9-0) matchup as they were looking for a larger name fighter.

"It was disheartening when his management was doing that, but it's a business and I understand what they're doing," said Weidman to Sherdog Radio. "I don't take it personal. I put a lot of work in and my goal is to be champion. I know I can beat Anderson Silva."

Weidman revealed that he had pegged Silva as the man to beat when he joined MMA, as Silva was already the reigning king.

Silva has previously said that he plans to return to the cage during the summer of 2013. If that is the case, next year could end up being the first time Silva hasn't fought at least twice in one year. No opponent has currently been named for Silva, although UFC president Dana White has said that Michael Bisping (23-4) could become the division's top contender should he defeat Vitor Belfort next month in Brazil.

Weidman was originally slated to face Tim Boetsch (16-4) at UFC 155 this Saturday, but was forced to withdraw due to injury. He's expected to return to action in the spring.

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