UFC legend Anderson Silva seeks rematches with Michael Bisping, Nick Diaz

Former middleweight champion took to social media to petition for big fights

Anderson Silva has taken to social media to share his desire for his next opponent, preferring rematches against Nick Diaz or current UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping. 

Silva, 41, who made a UFC-record 10 defenses of his middleweight title between 2007-12, snapped a five-year winless streak by defeating Derek Brunson by a controversial unanimous decision in February at UFC 208. He posted simultaneously to multiple social media accounts on Monday to announce his targets, first mentioning Bisping. 

“We are all three great professionals, what makes the most sense at the moment, is not his fight with any other, but with me, regardless of belt,” Silva’s post read. “Regardless of the show, we respect each other, a new fight between us, would be a great fight of gentlemen.”

Bisping (30-7) defeated Silva (34-8) by a close unanimous decision last February in London,  which Silva still disputes to this day. One fight later, Bisping knocked out then-middleweight champion Luke Rockhold as a late replacement in their rematch at UFC 199.

In recent weeks, Bisping agreed to defend his title later this year against former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, who is set to return from a three-year retirement. 

Silva also showed interest in Diaz, whom he originally defeated by decision in an awkward fight at UFC 183 in 2015, which Diaz largely refused to engage while taunting Silva. The fight was later changed to a no contest after Silva tested positive to a pair of banned substances.

Diaz also failed a post fight test for marijuana metabolites. He was initially suspended for five years by the Nevada State Athletic Commission before having it reduced to 18 months. Diaz hasn’t fought since the Silva fight. 

“Because with Nick, it was a no contest, we have a story to tell, I’ll wait for you in Brazil,” Silva said. “And I’m waiting for you, Mr. Bisping after your fight with GSP. Exterminate once and for all this doubt of the fans about who really won.”

During an appearance on the MMA Hour on Monday, top-ranked middleweight contender Yoel Romero expressed his desire to fight Silva for an interim championship while Bisping defends his title against St-Pierre.