Weidman — the Long Island kid with just nine previous pro fights — landed a short left hook that sent Silva to the canvas, and then pounced on the ultimate fighting star, landing a few more shots before referee Herb Dean stopped the bout at 1:18.
In one of the most stunning upsets in MMA sports history, Weidman's KO of Silva ended the champ's 17-fight win streak and seven-year reign as UFC middleweight champion.
The 29-year-old Weidman was a +200 underdog here before a capacity crowd at UFC 162 inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Weidman was the smallest opponent for Silva in five years. Many fighters thought Weidman had the skill set to beat Silva, 38, — who had never lost in the UFC — a span of 16 straight fights and 10 title defenses — but actually doing it was another matter.
Weidman was the smallest opponent for Silva in five years. Many fighters thought Weidman had the skill set to beat Silva, 38, — who had never lost in the UFC — a span of 16 straight fights and 10 title defenses — but actually doing it was another matter.
“No one is invincible,” Weidman said after the fight.
And the end was truly bizarre. Silva was messing around with Weidman, dropping his hands and pretending to be hurt when he actually wasn’t. But then Weidman really did put the hurt on – leaving him nearly unconscious.
Weidman, a former Hofstra All-American wrestler, landed a left hook on Silva’s chin, sending him to the canvas. Weidman jumped on top of him, landing more punches until referee Herb Dean pulled him off.
“I felt I was destined for this, but it still seemed far-fetched,” the 29-year-old Weidman said. … “He’s the unbeatable frickin’ Bruce Lee of martial arts.”
Silva said afterward that he was “tired” and he didn’t want a rematch, nor to fight for the belt anymore. But Silva, who just signed a new 10-fight deal with the UFC, said he wasn’t retiring. The future Hall of Famer, who has always been a mystery, was non-committal about what his future plans were.
“He’s the new champion,” said Silva (33-5). “Chris has my respect, because Chris is the best now.”
Weidman (10-0) said he had studied Silva’s previous antics in the cage and anticipated that Silva would try to clown him.
“It pisses me off when someone does that to me,” Weidman said. “I just knew when he’s sleeping I was gonna get him.”
And he did it in grand style.
And he did it in grand style.
I'm Still in shock, I guess I was so sure Silva was going to win, but well Silva cost himself the title so..congratulations to the new champion saw his family with him, this is Mrs. Weidman'--> http://fabwags.com/marivi-weidman-mma-fighter-chris-weidman-wife/ not surprise that Dayane wasn't there she hardly attends but still this is her http://fabwags.com/dayane-silva-mm-anderson-silva-wife/
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