We’re about 18 months into the new era of middleweight champion Chris Weidman.
Ever since that historic night inside of the MGM Grand Garden Arena at UFC 162, the world has begun familiarizing itself with this new breed. He’s the All-American and the best fighter at 185 pounds.
Two men have tried to pry the belt from his grasp. Two men have failed. A third man gets his chance at UFC 184 on Feb. 28, but whether Vitor Belfort has what it takes to dethrone the king is anybody’s guess.
Whether any of the current crop of middleweight contenders has a legitimate chance is a viable question to ask, too. But let’s not kid ourselves: Some guys holster tools to deny Weidman an extended winning streak. Scroll on as we rank each contender based on how he matches up against the middleweight czar.
(Note: Only those with subjectively reasonable chances will be listed. Those who are not, by this definition, do not stand a chance.)