Chris Weidman
Chris Weidman | “The All-American”
Ht: 6’2 – Wt: 185 – Age: 28
Born: New York, USA
Fights out of: Mineola, NY, USA
Team: Serra-Longo Fight Team
Overall Record: 9-0
UFC Record: 5-0
Background:
Chris Weidman is a rising prospect in the UFC middleweight division. Weidman earned All-American honors while wrestling at Hofstra University before making his way to mixed martial arts under the tutelage of Matt Serra and Ray Longo in 2009. Weidman racked up solid wins in the Ring of Combat promotion by defeating Mike Stewart, Uriah Hall, and Valdir Araujo before signing with the UFC in 2011. Weidman, despite only being 4-0 overall, was thrown right into the fire as an injury replacement against veteran striker Alessio Sakara at UFC Live 3. Weidman used his wrestling and top control to grind out a decision victory. Weidman looked much more impressive in his next two fights as he submitted Jesse Bongfeldt and Tom Lawlor in the 1st round.
2011 Breakdown:
Weidman fought 3 times in 2011, winning all 3 of his UFC fights.
Weidman was called up to the UFC as an injury replacement at UFC on Versus 3. Weidman faced off against veteran striker Alessio Sakara in his debut. Both fighters were able to implement their gameplans to some extent as Sakara was able to land some solid strikes while Weidman controlled the fight with his takedowns. Weidman was able to rack up rounds by using his wrestling and grappling to keep Sakara grounded through much of the fight, taking home a unanimous decision victory.
Weidman moved on to face Jesse Bongfeldt at UFC 131. Bongfeldt seemed to clip Weidman with an early head kick, but Weidman quickly recovered and wrestled Bongfeldt down to the floor. From there, Weidman started looking for submissions. Bongfeldt was able to get back to his feet, but found himself trapped in a standing guillotine and was forced to submit.
Weidman was quickly rising up the ranks as he was scheduled to face TUF 8 alum Tom Lawlor. Lawlor tried to storm Weidman with strikes, but Weidman patiently closed the distance and scored the takedown. Weidman quickly locked on a d’arce choke, putting Lawlor to sleep.
2012 Forecast:
Weidman was considered to be a top prospect for good reason as his high-level wrestling and submissions have found him instant success in the UFC. Weidman’s striking still has a ways to go, but as long as he can avoid standing for too long, he should be fine. Weidman’s conditioning looked a bit shaky in the final round of his bout with Sakara and he is known to make a pretty steep weight cut. Weidman did fight on short notice, but he has to be careful when facing off against fellow high-level grapplers that may be able to wear him down. As Weidman continues to develop and grows more comfortable and confident in the octagon It would be little surprise if he works his way into the Top 10 by year’s end.
Chris Weidman Fight Record
Overall Record: 7-0
2008-2011 Record: 7-0
2011 Record: 3-0
Win | Tom Lawlor | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 11/19/2011
Win | Jesse Bongfeldt | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 06/11/2011
Win | Alessio Sakara | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 03/03/2011
2010 Record: 2-0
Win | Valdir Araujo | Dec | Rd 3 | | 12/03/2010
Win | Uriah Hall | Tko | Rd 1 | | 09/24/2010
2009 Record: 2-0
Win | Mike Stewart | Tko | Rd 1 | | 04/17/2009
Win | Reubem Lopes | Sub | Rd 1 | | 02/20/2009
2008 Record: 0-0
