Weidman, a former UFC Middleweight Champion, is a well-rounded fighter known for his strong wrestling base, which is arguably his greatest asset. His grappling, especially his takedowns and control, has been pivotal in many of his victories. Weidman is also highly skilled in submissions, holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with notable finishes including an arm-triangle choke submission over Kelvin Gastelum in 2017.
His striking has improved significantly since his UFC debut, but it's his wrestling and clinch game that has truly set him apart. He has the ability to pressure his opponents with relentless pace and a strong fight IQ, making him dangerous in all phases of the game. Weidman is also known for his durability, having taken on and defeated top competition in the UFC, including Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, and Vitor Belfort.
Notable Wins:
1. Anderson Silva (2013): Weidman’s victory over Silva is one of the most iconic moments in UFC history. He ended Silva’s 16-fight win streak and captured the UFC Middleweight Championship.
2. Lyoto Machida (2014): Weidman defeated the former champion in a five-round war, showcasing his striking and wrestling.
3. Vitor Belfort (2015): He defended his Middleweight title by TKO'ing Belfort in the first round, solidifying his place at the top of the division.
Recent Form and Challenges:
However, Weidman’s career has faced setbacks in recent years. He has suffered from a series of injuries, including the devastating leg injury in his fight against Uriah Hall in 2021, which led to a lengthy layoff and questions about his durability. He returned in 2023, only to lose a unanimous decision to Brad Tavares, and his most recent win came in 2024 against Bruno Silva, a fight that was controversially changed to a decision win after an eye poke led to a stoppage.
His last few performances have raised questions about his longevity and ability to return to his former championship level. The loss to Tavares marked a rough patch, showing that Weidman’s transition back into elite competition might not be as seamless as hoped.
1. UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot – Win (Technical Decision) vs. Bruno Silva
2. UFC 292 – Loss (Unanimous Decision) vs. Brad Tavares
3. UFC 261 – Loss (TKO, leg injury) vs. Uriah Hall
4. UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik – Win (Unanimous Decision) vs. Omari Akhmedov
5. UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Weidman – Loss (KO, punches) vs. Dominick Reyes
