Sonnen interviews Silva, pro's picks

Sonnen interviews Silva

Former rivals came together on Tuesday night's edition of UFC Tonight as Chael Sonnen interviewed Anderson Silva prior to Silva's next title defense this weekend at UFC 162 in Las Vegas.

Silva talked about his fight with top contender Chris Weidman on Saturday night in an talking with Sonnen and Kenny Florian, the hosts of UFC Tonight.

"I'm very happy. I feel good. I'm very excited for this fight," said Silva. Asked about many people picking Weidman to score the upset, Silva said, "It's very good. Weidman has fans. I have fans. It's very important for the sport."

When asked specifically about Georges St. Pierre picking Weidman to win, Silva had a simple reponse.

"Who? Huh?"

"It's a great fight Saturday night. Weidman has good jiu-jitsu, good wrestling, good stand-up. It's a great fight," Silva stated. Silva also shook off retirement talk. "I don't know, maybe ten more years."

Weidman was also interviewed as he prepares to take on Silva on Saturday night.

His biggest concern fighting Silva? "Nothing," said Weidman. "My biggest concern was getting through this camp injury free, and I've done that. I've gone through the hard work already. My biggest concern now is to go in there and work hard and fight my fight. I feel really confident, and I just wanna get inside that cage."

Weidman ended his interview with a very bold statement.

"I will beat Anderson Silva on Saturday night."

Inside The Octagon with Ariel Helwani

Gegard Mousasi wants to fight Vitor Belfort. Helwani reported that Mousasi was contacted about fighting Belfort in August, but Mousasi underwent surgery on his ACL. Mousasi wants to fight Belfort, and he wants the fight when he returns in December. Mousasi's camp went as far to call Belfort a hypocrite for saying Mousasi hasn't done enough to fight him. Belfort had no comment, saying he was focused on fighting the winner of this weekend's fight between Silva and Weidman.

Michael Bisping wants to fight on the Manchester card in October, and he was initally interested in a fight with Cung Le. However, Le has been dealing with elbow issues and has movie committments, and Bisping's camp has turned their attention to Costa Philippou. Helwani stated that Bisping's camp has asked for a fight with Philippou on that October card, and, according to Philippou's manager Lex McMahon, it is a fight that they are interested in. Fans should look for that fight to potentially be announced in the near future.

Rashad Evans to move down to middleweight? Helwani reported that the door has been repoened for Evans to move down to 185 pounds following his win over Dan Henderson just weeks ago at UFC 161. Evans said that if the UFC offered him a more compelling fight at middleweight, he'll take it, but he still wants a rematch with Jon Jones at light heavyweight at some point.

Luke Rockhold is a month or so away from returning to training after dealing with a hamstring injury. Helwani reports that Rockhold is looking to fight Alan Belcher when he returns.

Final Round with Chael Sonnen and Kenny Florian

Sonnen and Florian broke down the night's main event. Florian said that for Silva to win he needs to circle and use movement and use he fakes and feints to keep Weidman off balance. Florian said that if Weidman wants to take Silva down, he's going to have to do it in the center of the cage, and Silva can score a knockout from anywhere.

Sonnen said that if Weidman wants to win he needs to apply pressure and drag Silva down at every moment. Sonnen also said that Weidman needs to disguise the takedown with his striking, and that ground control is where Weidman is going to surprise some people.

Florian and Sonnen then made their picks for the main event. Both picked Weidman to score the upset and leave the new UFC Middleweight Champion.