Anderson Silva Reportedly Wants Chuck Norris for His UFC 168 Training Camp

According to Fighters Only Magazine, Anderson Silva has decided to add a new coach to his camp for his UFC 168 rematch with Chris Weidman: Chuck Norris.

“I had a nightmare with Weidman, but I don’t fear him. He is determined, but has two arms and two legs just like me,” Silva said. “Now I’ll bring Chuck Norris [to my camp]. I’ll bring both, Chuck Norris and Steven Seagal.”

It is a curious move in light of Silva's recent loss at UFC 162. One would have assumed he would want to bring in an Olympic wrestler or otherwise-qualified ground fighter. Instead, Silva has chosen another celebrity martial artist to complement his use of Steven Seagal.

BloodyElbow.com quoted Demian Maia in a July interview on Brazilian television, as the former contender stated that he and others in the MMA community saw the Seagal and Silva connection as a sort of publicity stunt.

"

It's a lie. It's marketing. Like every actor from Hollywood, when Seagal saw Anderson's success, he glued himself to him. He was down on his career and made it up again. It worked because he appeared in the media again. He never taught Silva anything ... For everyone who knows about it, it's a joke.

"

If Maia is correct, then Silva appears to be doubling down on the joke.

To be fair, Norris is accomplished in his own martial arts career.

In 1968, he defeated Louis Delgado to win the Professional World Middleweight Karate title. Norris held the title for six years. He is also the first Westerner to hold an eighth-degree black belt in taekwondo.

Silva utilizes the style in his fights, so it is possible Norris will be able to assist the middleweight in his already extensive striking game.

Time will tell if Silva's interest is genuine. For now, the move will likely perplex MMA fans more than endear Silva to them.