We have a new champion.
At UFC 162, middleweight champion Anderson Silva spent most of his time in the Octagon taunting opponent Chris Weidman. And unlike so many opponents before him, Weidman was able to make the GOAT pay.
As Silva mocked Weidman by feigning injury, following a glancing left hook, Weidman landed a left hook that really injured the champ. Silva hit the floor, Weidman followed up with a few academic ground shots, and just like that, the guard changed.
The knockout win came at 1:25 of the second round. The future for the 38-year-old Silva (33-5) and the 29-year-old Weidman (10-0) are now very different than they were 24 hours ago.
What we’ll remember about this fight
What will you remember? It’s probably the same thing I’ll remember. Anderson Silva lost for the first time in seven years and for the first time since having a UFC belt around his waist.
What we learned about Anderson Silva
He’s human. Silva seemed, at times, above the laws of physics, dodging dangerous strikes with Matrix-like precision. But at UFC 162, he took it too far. He was wobbling in a mocking fashion while inside Weidman’s striking range, and Weidman had the knockout power to make him pay.
What we learned about Chris Weidman
He’s a champion. Weidman and those around him have made no secret about his desires. He consummated those desires Saturday night, thanks to his punching power, his takedowns and his ability and willingness to call Silva’s bluff.
What’s next for Silva
Some time off. Something will materialize. But as this is uncharted territory for all involved, it’s anyone’s guess what he might do.
What’s next for Weidman
First title defense. How about the winner between Michael Bisping and Costa Philippou, rumored to do battle this fall, according to Ariel Helwani of Fuel TV’s UFC Tonight (h/t Mike Bohn of MMA Mania)?
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