Chris Weidman was one of the most renowned fighters on the UFC roster at one point in time. Having been a middleweight champion at the peak of his powers, Weidman’s career has seen him have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. With that said, many have often questioned his wins against the man many consider one of the GOATS, Anderson Silva.
For those unaware, ‘The All-American’ was one of the surging contenders in the UFC’s middleweight division back in the 2010’s. Having made his UFC debut in 2011 against Alessio Sakara, Chris marked the start of a dream run in the UFC. Following the win, Weidman would go on a tear through the division.
Taking down names like Demian Maia, and Mark Munhoz, Weidman booked his ticket to a showdown against Anderson Silva. At the time, Silva was the reigning, defending, undisputed king of the middleweights, sitting on 5 consecutive title defenses and a mind-boggling 16 consecutive wins overall.
What happened when Chris Weidman fought Anderson Silva?
Whilst Chris Weidman was undefeated in his career up until that point, there is no doubt that he was the underdog coming into the fight against Anderson Silva. Notably, their first fight took place at UFC 162, wherein Weidman came in as the challenger. Despite facing a monumental task in Silva, Weidman started early out of the gates with a takedown and heel hook attempt.
By the end of Round 1, Anderson Silva got back in the game and back to his showmanship. However, mid-way through Round 2, Anderson got a bit carried away and was on the receiving end of a flurry from Weidman which ended their fight. As such all blame for the loss was on the Brazilian himself. However, the second fight ended just as shockingly with Silva fracturing his leg.
He KO’d the former middleweight champ TWICE 🤯
This weekend @ChrisWeidman is BACK in the Octagon at #UFCAtlanticCity! pic.twitter.com/hTNhGml40z
— UFC (@ufc) March 27, 2024
Thus, two very convenient instances for Weidman, saw him claim and retain the middleweight title. At the same time, one can’t really make a case for the second win to be legitimate, considering the injury. At the same time, the injury to Anderson meant that the fight could not take place for a third time in the same circumstance. Further, what happened afterward has led many to believe that the results against Silva were a fluke.
How did Chris Weidman fare after beating Anderson Silva?
Following the historic win over Anderson Silva in 2013, Chris Weidman was on top of the world. Thereafter, he would go on to make 2 more title defenses against Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort, sealing his legacy as one of the greatest middleweight champions ever. However, things would soon change for Weidman, and according to the fans, it was not because of any other fighter.
Previously, in 2015, the UFC signed a deal with USADA, which would serve as its drug testing partner. Naturally, there were numerous leaks and rumors about fighters reportedly assuming unfair means to boost their performances. Following the introduction of USADA, many fighters, including Chris Weidman underwent changes in their physicality and performances inside the Octagon, something Michael Bisping once pointed out.
USADA partnered with UFC on July 1, 2015.
Chris Weidman’s record:
Before USADA: 13-0
After USADA: 1-5Note: PED’s are not just for bulking up; so avoid before-after pictures and see the records.#UFCVegas6 #UFCFightnight
— GreenMan (@GreenManTalks) August 8, 2020
you never fail to make me smile. You’ll get yours, if and when you win a fight. Lots of injuries since usada though,Weird!😂
— michael (@bisping) June 26, 2016
Within that very year, Weidman would lose his title to Luke Rockhold at UFC 194. Thereafter, the American went 2-4 in his next six fights, painting a very telling picture. Unfortunately, Chris suffered the same fate as Anderson in 2021, with a similar leg break against Uriah Hall. Despite making his return in 2023, it is clear that Weidman is well past it. However, ahead of his fight against Bruno Silva, Chris believes that he is not retiring anytime soon.
