Top 5 Stories of the Week

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After some doubt, deliberation and more than a little speculation, a date and venue have been set for the rematch between Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva.

Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White announced on ESPN’s SportsCenter on July 13 that the bout will take place on Dec. 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The event, which is expected to be UFC 168, also includes a women’s bantamweight title clash between Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate in the co-main event.

After a 16-fight winning streak in the Octagon, which included 10 successful middleweight title defenses, Silva was upset by Weidman in the UFC 162 headliner. “The Spider” clowned and taunted his opponent throughout the fight but paid dearly for his antics when Weidman landed a left hook and finished the contest with follow-up punches 1:18 into the second round. In a post-fight interview, Silva expressed little interest in a rematch but has obviously changed his tune since then, proclaiming that he is “back” in a brief sound bite on SportsCenter.

“What changed is when Anderson Silva talked after the fight, the guy forgot what it’s like to lose,” White told ESPN. “He hasn’t lost ever in the UFC. Never lost, broke every record we’ve ever had. Anderson is motivated, fired up and wants the belt back.”

The stories of interest on Sherdog.com this week:

Inevitable Sequel

Brazilian Juggernaut

‘Smooth’ Transition to ‘Showtime’

The Old Man and the Gi

Global Reach

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