Fighter of the Month: July 2013 – Chris Weidman
By Christopher Jester
Fighter of the Month: Chris Weidman
Event: UFC 162 (July 6, 2013)
Opponent: Anderson Silva
Result: KO (Punches) Round 2 (1:18)
It was not the greatest performance, nor was it so electrifying that fans would assume this was the heralding of a new age, but Chris Weidman did what he said he was going to do: which was defeat long-time UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva.
Where other champions exceeded this month with exceptional title defenses, such as Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler and UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson, Anderson Silva simply was not champion material that night. Instead he opted to toy with his prey, and Chris Weidman capitalized on the most pivotal moment and did the unthinkable – he knocked out Anderson Silva.
But let’s not hang everything on what Silva did wrong, let’s congratulate Weidman on everything he did right. He did not cower away in the presence of Anderson Silva like nearly all of his other opponents in the UFC have done. He followed his gameplan and did not let Silva’s mind games take him out of the fight.
Say what you will about the bout itself, what is most impressive about this whole ordeal is that Chris Weidman was confident and stood his ground in his beliefs. He knew he would shock the world on July 6. He told the media this, he told the fans on social media this. The biggest takeaway from the Silva vs Weidman fight is that the difference between the two is that Weidman actually did what he said he was going to do. He stood his ground, confronted the seemingly invincible Anderson Silva and knocked his lights out to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion.
And for that, PunchDrunkGamer would like to award Chris Weidman our Fighter of the Month for July 2013. Congrats on becoming the new UFC Middleweight Champion, good luck in all your future accomplishments!
Runner-Ups:
1. Michael Chandler (Bellator 97 – July 31, 2013) – When champions fight, they should fight like this man. Michael Chandler wasted very little time to find the chin of durable David Rickels. Rickels is one of the more resilient men there is in mixed martial arts, but Chandler put him to sleep in just 44 seconds. Chandler is becoming a star under the Bellator banner, and with more title defenses like this, Chandler could easily become one of the best lightweights in the world.
2. Demetrious Johnson (UFC On Fox 8 – July 27, 2013) – Another perfect example of what a champion should do. Facing a bit of criticism for not finishing fights, Johnson made it his mission to find a way and after a technique clinic for five rounds, Johnson finally locked in an armbar and finished John Moraga to earn the latest submission victory in UFC history, Submission of the Night honors, and another successful title defense. This was the type of match Johnson needed to boost his star power.
3. Edson Barboza (UFC 162 – July 6, 2013) – There is just something about kicking a man in the legs so much that he cannot walk on them anymore. Edson Barboza did just that against Rafaello Oliveira. Throwing very little offensive other than his dangerous leg kicks, Edson Barboza scored a second round TKO when Oliveira could not take any more punishment to his legs and the bout was waved off.
4. Ed Herman (UFC On Fox 8 – July 27, 2013) – Only if there could be two winners. Ed Herman simply would not have put on the performance like he did if it was not for his opponent Trevor Smith. In what could be on the shortlist for Fight of the Year, Ed Herman and Trevor Smith went toe-to-toe for three rounds with each trading deadly blows that had each fighter wobbled, confused, and dazed throughout most of the bout. However, it was Herman’s experience that kept him around and the constant pressure helped him take home the victory that night. But nevertheless, both deserve much respect for that performance!
5. Miriam Nakamoto (Invicta FC 6 – July 13, 2013) – In Invicta FC’s inaugural cable pay-per-view, many of the women fighters impressed. However, it was Miriam Nakamoto who impressed the most as she blasted through her opponent Duda Yankovich. With an overwhelming clinch, Nakamoto scored with a knee that put Yankovich in a world of hurt and with some follow-up punches, Nakamoto finished the fight. This impressive bantamweight should be watched!
Notable Mentions:
Mike Pierce who is still one of the most underrated but consistent welterweights in the UFC after a TKO victory at UFC 162. After an impressive debut, Brian Melancon is a fighter to watch out for in the UFC. Jessica Penne in her first fight since her title loss and winning impressively with a rear-naked choke. Cris Cyborg, who once again proved that she is still easily the best woman in mixed martial arts. And lastly, to Holly Holm for scoring a highlight reel head kick knockout at Legacy FC 21.
Follow Christopher “sLapDatSuCKa” Jester on Twitter @sLapDatSuCka
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