Former champ Chris Weidman says Michael Bisping is avoiding him after UFC title win
American admits he was happy for Brit after UFC 199, but says Bisping staying out of his way is 'a smart move'
FOR Chris Weidman, seeing Michael Bisping walk around with the UFC middleweight title is proving more than a little frustrating.
Weidman was due to face Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 in a world title rematch, but a neck injury ruled the New Yorker out of the bout around a fortnight before the event.
Bisping then stepped in, knocked out Rockhold and walked away with the championship belt that Weidman had held for three years up until last December.
It's a situation he's still adjusting to, as he explained during a fan Q&A at UFC Ottawa.
"I guess it's something I've gotta get used to, at least for a little bit," he said.
"It's the reality that has happened because of me - because I got injured.
"And he should be kissing my feet right now. Instead he's not saying my name.
"It's a smart move. His thing is definitely to try to keep that belt for as long as he possibly can.
"He doesn't want to look at me, and I understand that. Good for him - he's smart."
Weidman and Bisping have exchanged opinions in the media over recent years, and while it was slightly annoying to see the Brit win the belt, he said it was probably preferable to seeing Rockhold continue his title reign.
When asked how annoyed he was to see Bisping win, he explained: "I was probably about a 5 (out of 10). It was bittersweet.
"It was nice to see Rockhold get humbled a little bit. I feel bad there's that many people clapping for that!
"And on the other side obviously I wanted to be the guy to do that."
But despite the simmering rivalry with Bisping, Weidman admitted he still felt pleased for the Brit, who won the title after 10 years and 26 fights in the UFC.
"Even afterwards I was kinda happy for Bisping," he said.
"The guy, he had an opportunity - again, thanks to me - and he made the most of it, you know?"
Talk has turned to who Bisping will face in his first title defence. Weidman obviously wants his shot, while Rockhold is desperate for a rematch. Veteran campaigner Dan Henderson might well be in pole position for that bout.
But one name that has been floated is that of former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.
It's been reported that the Canadian MMA legend is contemplating a comeback, and sees a bout with Bisping as the perfect bout to come back for.
Weidman understands GSP's thinking.
"If it's true, I mean if they see an easy fight, why not go for it and get a belt at the same time? Who wouldn't want that?" he said.
"Poor Bisping, but can you pick one guy in the Top 15 that you are SURE he can beat?
"There's definitely guys he CAN beat, but (who) can you say you're SURE he can beat?
"And who is he going to be a favourite against, if you're a betting guy?"
UFC commentator Jon Anik, who was emceeing the Q&A, had one suggestion.
"Yeah, he'd be favourite against Hendo, I would think," he said.
"I don't know (the odds) yet. I'll be the first to let you know.
"I would think Bisping would probably be a three-to-one favourite against Hendo."
UFC Ottawa Q&A: With Stevie Ray, Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman
[youtube //www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE30ya4jXYI&w=620&h=349]
