UFC 168 is here.
If you’re a non MMA fan, this probably doesn’t mean much to you. If you are, however, you know that this is the most important event of the year – Not only is it quite possibly the biggest rematch in MMA history, but the implications of this event could shape the UFC’s strategy for the next couple of years.
If you’re new to the sport, here’s the background. Anderson Silva, the former UFC middleweight champion, future Hall of Famer and quite possibly the greatest fighter to have walked the planet, gets his rematch against Chris Weidman, the man who managed to slay the proverbial dragon (some say with a lucky shot), and who has the kind of rags-to riches tale that makes a great underdog story.
He also has the right skill set to defeat Silva. Generally regarded as the most talented striker in the world, Anderson Silva is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and a Muay Thai specialist. It essentially means that while he’s unbeatable on his feet, he can handle himself perfectly on the ground as well. It’s a combination that many thought was unbeatable, and the reason he was undefeated for almost seven years.
UFC 117 changed that though. Chael Sonnen proved that high-level wrestling can be the chink in Silva’s armor. While he ended up losing the fight (and the highly anticipated rematch), he’d set the template for an Anderson Silva fight – take him down, keep him down, and stay out of his striking range.
Which brings us to Chris Weidman. A talented wrestler with significant striking ability, Weidman was perceived by many as an improved version of Sonnen – in short, the ideal man to take down the Spider. The fight however, didn’t quite go according to expectations.
Silva taunted Weidman, clowned around in the Octagon, got too cocky and got hit with a left hook. Many felt that Silva had lost the fight just as much as Weidman had won it. Bottomline – We didn’t see if Weidman’s wrestling was good enough to beat Silva. I suspect that this might be the fight we see the second time around – I see Silva being a lot more cautious.
Finally, the implications of this fight. With Georges St-Pierre retired, and Cain Velasquez injured for a year, the UFC needs a new star. Jon Jones aside, I believe that new star could be Chris Weidman. If he wins this fight, expect the UFC marketing machine to get behind him in a big way. Though I don’t see it happening. My prediction? Silva – Third round TKO.
Chinmay Bhogle 
Unfortunate ending, and a disappointing result for both Silva and Weidman. Didn’t do anything to push Weidman to where you were expecting.
Yes, very! Ah well, can’t be helped. Weidman vs Belfort should be interesting though.
If Weidman survives the initial onslaught from Belfort, I expect him to win. I hope Weidman uses his wrestling and puts the pressure on Belfort and pushes him to the max (cardio wise).Belfort is a beast at the start of fights and if he smells blood he will swarm. Also, Weidman’s chin hasn’t been tested yet so it will he interesting to see how he copes should he get hit. Another interesting aspect is that the jury is still out on weather Belfort will get a TRT exemption, I know one can’t say for sure that TRT is the sole reason for Vitor’s phenomenal resurgence in recent years, but it would be interesting to see him fight without being on it. Anyway, should be a good fight, pick Weidman to win.