Chris Weidman defeats Lyoto Machida and retains UFC middleweight belt

Weidman (right) beat Lyoto (left) at UFC 175. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

Chris Weidman He successfully defended the UFC middleweight belt at the 175th event, held this Saturday (5) in Las Vegas, in the United States. The North American defeated Lyoto Machida in a busy fight in the main attraction of the night, obtaining victory by unanimous decision from the judges.

The fight alternated moments of striking and ground, with the North American connecting good blows and getting takedowns at key moments. Machida, in turn, worked some good counterattacks, but it wasn't enough to take down the champion.

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Thus, Weidman won his 12th career victory, making his second title defense. Machida, in turn, lost his unbeaten record at middleweight, also suffering his first defeat since losing to Phil Davis at UFC 163.

“He’s as good as I thought, very fast. Just when you think he's going to do one thing, he does another. He is an incredible fighter”, praised the champion, who showed his affection for the Brazilian after the decision was announced.

Lyoto recognized his opponent's superiority and promised to learn from his defeat. “He was smarter, he managed to impose his game. It's part of it. I will come back stronger,” he said.

How was the fight

Weidman (left) connected good blows on Machida (right) standing. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

In the opening seconds of the fight, Weidman tried to attack cautiously, with some kicks to the legs and waistline. Lyoto, in turn, kept his distance well and worked some counterattacks. The American's takedown attempts were thwarted by the Brazilian, which meant that the first round was all about striking.

The second round followed the trend of the initial period, with the two fighters exchanging timid blows, but with the North American moving forward almost all the time. In the final minute, however, Weidman got the takedown and landed a few shots, although he did little work in this position.

At the beginning of the third round, Weidman got a double leg and took the Brazilian down. The champion tried not to expose himself and did not attack much, which allowed Machida to get up and return to striking. Standing up, Weidman gained confidence, cornering Lyoto and causing a cut on his eyebrow with a counter blow.

At a clear disadvantage on the scorecards, Lyoto tried to show aggression at the beginning of the fourth round, albeit in a timid manner. Weidman attempted a takedown, but to no avail. Machida connected good sequences, which made the North American feel. Weidman appeared tired, while Lyoto gained confidence. The Brazilian ended the round walking forward and looking for the fight, raising the crowd in Las Vegas.

Photo: Disclosure/UFC

The last round started at the same pace as the previous one, with Machida connecting more blows and Weidman more measured. The champion tried to work more in the short distance, but was rejected by Machida. The North American managed to work good strikes in the most frank striking. In the final half of the last round, the champion managed to take down the Brazilian, even reaching mount. The Brazilian turned his back and managed to get up. Lyoto went all out in the final seconds, but was unable to land any good blows to get the knockout.

Ultimately, the three judges gave three different scores (49 to 45, 48 to 47 and 49 to 46), but all in favor of Chris Weidman, still UFC middleweight champion.

Official score of the UFC 175 main event. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter

Check out the complete UFC 175 results:

MAIN CARD:

Chris Weidman derrotou Lyoto Machida by unanimous decision;

Ronda Rousey derrotou Alexis Davis by technical knockout in R1;

Stefan struve x Matt Mitrione – FIGHT CANCELED

Uriah Hall derrotou Thiago Marreta by unanimous decision of the judges;

Russell Doane defeated Marcus Brimage via split decision;

PRELIMINARY CARD:

Urijah faber derrotou Alex Caceres by submission in R3;

Kenny Robertson defeated Ildemar Marajó by unanimous decision of the judges;

Bruno Carioca defeated Chris Camozzi via split decision;

Rob font defeated George Roop via TKO in R1;

Luke Zachrich defeated Guilherme Bomba in the unanimous decision of the judges';

Kevin Casey defeated Bubba Bush via TKO in R1.