Luke Rockhold: 'It would be an honor to beat up' Anderson Silva

On February 27, former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva will make his comeback after a one-year suspension. The Brazilian superstar believes that opponent Michael Bisping is a last "big test" before another UFC title shot. And although current champion Luke Rockhold would welcome the challenge to one day face the former pound-for-pound king, he feels that Silva might have jumped the gun a bit with that statement.

"I think Silva's got to go prove himself," Rockhold told FOX Sports. "He's got a fight coming up so we'll see. I've always wanted to fight the guy. It would be an honor to beat him up. I think Weidman gave him a shot, beat him up twice and ended up proving himself. Unfortunately it looks like I'm going to have to beat up [Weidman] again."

Silva lost the middleweight title to Weidman in 2013. Five months later, he also lost the immediate rematch due to a grueling leg injury. After a one-year absence, Silva returned with a unanimous-decision victory against Nick Diaz in January 2015, but was tested positive for multiple banned substances during his pre- and post-fight drug tests. He will headline a UFC card in London against Bisping on February 27.

Rockhold won the 185-pound title from Weidman at UFC 194 in December and will likely defend it in an immediate rematch on a date yet to be announced.

(Transcription via MMA Fighting)