C. Weidman (right) didn't want a third fight with A. Silva (left). Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/ChrisWeidman
It's no secret that for an event to be successful, it is sometimes necessary for there to be above-average promotions between two athletes for a card to reach a large number of spectators. However, Chris Weidman surprised when he stated that, in his first fight against Anderson Silva, in 2013, was instructed to provoke the Brazilian in order to gain more fans for what would represent the main fight of UFC 162. The statement was made in an interview with 'Grange TV'.
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“(Dana White's words) 'You're not promoting the fight. Ticket sales are not good, pay-per-view numbers are not good.' I felt anxious, because I was becoming someone I'm not used to being. 'I have to use trash talk now'. I hated that feeling. 'Why can't I go out there and fight and win? That's what I'm going to do. I’m going to beat this guy”, said Chris.
In 2013, Weidman broke away from his characteristics, sold the fight and managed to shock the world in one of the most unexpected results in the history of the sport. At the time, Anderson, a clear favorite and considered by many to be 'invincible', ended up succumbing after a sharp blow from the North American, which led to the Brazilian being knocked out.
After the triumph, 'Spider' had the opportunity to regain his belt almost six months later. At UFC 168, held in December 2013, the world was able to witness the agony of a former champion, who ended up defeated after seriously breaking his leg after throwing a low kick at Chris.
Weidman ended up becoming known as a kind of 'Brazilian Hunter', because, in his next commitments, he beat two famous athletes in Brazil: Lyoto Machida e Vitor belfort. Chris lost the belt in 2015 when he put the title on the line against Luke Rockhold.
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