Chris Weidman is the middleweight champion of the UFC. That much is not questioned. What is questioned is whether the 29-year old is actually the best 185-pound mixed martial artist in the world. Is he really a better fighter than Anderson Silva or did Weidman get lucky when he defeated the reigning champ at UFC 162?
The debate over Weidman’s status as an elite fighter helps explain why, despite entering his rematch with ‘Spider’ Silva at UFC 168 as the title-holder, he still has plenty to prove. Even the tagline for the December 28 event in Las Vegas, “Leave no doubt,” makes an allusion to the New York native’s unfinished business with Silva. Weidman doesn’t seem too concerned about his continuing role as the underdog, though.
“Does it bother me? No, not really. It’s about what I expected,” ‘The All-American’ said. “People can’t fathom the fact of me being able to beat Anderson Silva in my 10th fight, so short of a career.”
It’s certainly true that Weidman didn’t have nearly the pedigree of Silva when the two first met in July, but the younger fighter had won each of his first nine fights, including five in the UFC. Now he’s 10-0, an undefeated champion, and he’s ready for whatever the former belt-holder throws at him in their second bout.
“I’m ready for all the worst things to happen to me and fight through it,” Weidman said. “I’m prepared to get kicked in the face with a front kick, and go ‘Holy smokes!’ and wake up on the ground, find something to grab on and say ‘Screw you, I’m gonna still win this.’”
It’s unclear what exactly Weidman should be prepared for. The fact is, we don’t how Spider will act as the challenger because it’s been so long since he’s played that role. The 38-year old Silva, whom many consider to be the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time, had successfully defended his belt a record ten times prior to his loss to Weidman.
Now, the Brazilian hero is facing questions about whether his career could be coming to a close. Silva himself actually contemplated retirement after his 17-fight win streak ended five months ago. He eventually signed on for the rematch after a call from his son, and he now seems fixed on recapturing the belt and continuing his career.
“This is a new Anderson Silva coming,” the challenger said in his pre-fight interview. “More than the title, [I’m looking for] my energy and my will to keep winning, so I think this is a renewal that’s happening.
Silva says that one of his inspirations as a fighter is Muhammad Ali and Spider certainly likes to be loose in the Octagon. Weidman didn’t seem phased by his opponent’s clowning in their first fight, however, so it will be interesting to see whether Silva cuts back on the trash talk and dancing to a certain degree, especially since the left hook that knocked Spider out came when he had his hands at his sides.
Regardless of Silva’s demeanor in the ring, this fight will likely hinge on whether Weidman can take advantage of takedown opportunities. The champion was a two-time All-American wrestler at Hofstra University and his grappling in the Octagon is sublime. Silva likes to turn fights into boxing matches-he’s indicated he’d like to fight Roy Jones Jr. someday-so expect a Weidman win to come by submission rather than knockout as in the first bout.
It’s clear that, entering their rematch, both fighters have much to prove. We’ll know far more about the future of each after they square off on Saturday. Can Weidman prove beyond a doubt that he’s a legitimate champion? Can Silva rediscover his dominance? The anticipation of those questions and more being answered makes this an exciting time to be a UFC fan.
Dylan Sinn is a freelance contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSinn or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
