How many times did Chris Weidman defend his title?

American mixed martial artist Christopher James Weidman, born on June 17, 1984, in Baldwin, New York, competes in the UFC middleweight division. He gained notoriety by becoming UFC Middleweight Champion after ending Anderson Silva's winning streak.

Weidman began his professional MMA journey in 2008 and joined the UFC in 2011. At first, he compiled an undefeated record of 9-0, featuring an important win over Anderson Silva that secured him the UFC Middleweight Championship and ended Silva's seven-year reign as champion and 16-fight winning streak.

As the middle child among three siblings, Weidman shared German and Irish heritage while being raised Lutheran. Active in various sports during his time at Baldwin Senior High School on Long Island - especially wrestling - Weidman achieved several titles, such as Nassau County champion and New York state wrestling champion during this time period.

Chris Weidman Title Defenses

Chris Weidman defended his UFC Middleweight title 3 times in a time span of two and a half years.

Weidman defeated the ‘The Spider’ Anderson Silva to win the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 162 on July 6, 2013. This victory was a milestone in MMA history as Silva’s seven-year tenure as a champion and 16-fight winning streak has come to an end, a record that still remains unbeaten today.

Chris Weidman vs. Anderson Silva 2

At UFC 168 in December 2013, Chris Weidman defended his title against Anderson Silva. Unlike their first encounter, Silva refrained from showboating, yet Weidman still managed to drop Silva early in the first round with a powerful right hook while clinched. Despite the assault, Silva regained composure, delivering elbows and hammer-fists from his back to bloody Weidman's nose. Weidman, however, controlled the top position, landing punches and elbows. In the second round, Silva launched a series of kicks, but Weidman effectively checked an inside low kick with his knee, causing Silva's left fibula and tibia to break upon contact. Referee Herb Dean halted the fight 1:16 into the second round, granting Weidman a TKO victory. The strategy to defend against kicks was a result of Weidman's training, including insights from his trainer Ray Longo, who had experience breaking an opponent's leg similarly.

Chris Weidman vs. Lyoto Machida

Weidman's journey continued with expectations of defending his title against Vitor Belfort at UFC 173. After Belfort withdrew, Lyoto Machida was announced as Weidman's opponent for UFC 175. However, a knee injury forced a delay, stemming from meniscal tears Weidman had since high school. The bout against Machida finally occurred on July 5, 2014, with Weidman retaining his title via unanimous decision. A Fight of the Night bonus marked this victory.

Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort

Weidman's third title defense was scheduled against Vitor Belfort at UFC 181, later rescheduled to UFC 184 due to Weidman's broken hand. Unfortunately, another injury prompted Weidman to pull out of the bout, leading to a May 2015 matchup at UFC 187. Surviving an initial assault, Weidman secured a takedown and dominated Belfort with strikes from the mount position, clinching the victory via TKO in the first round.

Who did Chris Weidman lose his belt to?

Weidman lost his title of UFC Middleweight Championship to Luke Rockhold.

Chris Weidman made his fourth title defense at UFC 194 on December 12, 2015, as the co-main event. Unfortunately, Weidman suffered his first-ever career defeat here via fourth-round TKO after an evenly contested two-and-a-half round.

Weidman found himself taken down after an unsuccessful wheel kick attempt. Rockhold capitalized by seizing Weidman's back and transitioning into a full mount position, delivering impactful ground and pound strikes.

Despite enduring the punishment, Weidman held on until the fourth round, when Rockhold once again executed a takedown and continued his effective ground and pound, leading to referee Herb Dean's TKO stoppage. This marked the end of Weidman's championship reign. The intense battle between Weidman and Rockhold earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors.

Last Updated On March 26, 2023