Chris Weidman faces Anderson Silva in their second fight
The newly minted UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman versus the former 185 lb king Anderson Silva. In the first defence of his title, Weidman was handed a rematch against Silva. With the presumed logic being that their first fight was a fluke. And this time around Anderson would not be fooling around so that he could regain his title.
Would the relative newcomer Weidman be able to pull off a win the second time of asking? Or would Anderson show why to many he is considered the best to ever do it? So a lot on the line in this rematch which took place at UFC 168.
Chris Weidman vs Anderson Silva Round One
With the All American Chris Weidman having a background in wrestling, from the get-go, the plan seemed pretty clear. Try to nullify the Brazilian’s striking and get the Anderson Silva to the ground. And just a few seconds into the fight that is what Chris Weidman is trying to do, as he manages to get Silva up against the cage.
But Anderson has been working on his takedown defence and manages to keep the attack under control. Then as the pair get back to their feet, Silva appears to have Weidman in a tight clinch. And seeing what he has done to previous opponents in the same situation. It’s most definitely a worrying predicament for the American.
However, its Weidman who manages to land the first telling blow. Catching Silva around the back of the ear and sending him to the canvas. As the champion follows him down and begins to land shots from top position. Anderson looks to be in trouble, with Chris Weidman pouring on the pressure, he needs to be careful he doesn’t wear himself out!
As the former champion is excellent at avoiding damage from the bottom. Chris is doing his best to try and lands punches and elbows. But Silva is doing great work in not taking much damage and as the clock ticks down, he continues to frustrate Weidman.
And this is the story of the round, with Chris maintaining top position. But unable to do any real damage to his opponent who manages to make it through to the end of the end without receiving much damage.
Round Two
Round two opens up and it looks like the Spider wants to keep things on the feet. Using his Muay Thai, he’s catching Weidman with some nice inside leg kicks. And this is his world, one in which he almost always manages to outstrike his opponents. So the champion needs to be careful and not play too much into his hands.
And while Weidman may not be quite as fast as the former champion. His timing is impeccable and he almost always manages to stay out of range when Anderson’s moves forward. But in a pure standup kickboxing fight, the smart money would always be on Silva.
As the Brazilian surgically lands some low kicks. Weidman doesn’t appear to be checking any of them. Until just after one minute into the round, when Silva once again goes for a low kick. Weidman extends his knee to meet the kick and with the combined energy from both manage to break Silva’s shin bone in half.
Silva quickly drops to the ground with his foot now flopping loosely in the breeze. As he manages to give himself one of the worst breaks ever seen inside the octagon. Will he be able to bounce back from such a devastating injury, only time will tell. But for now, the champ remains the champ and moves on to his next challenge.