Weidman reveals behind-the-scenes details of negotiations for fight against Anderson in the UFC: 'I promised to finish him'

Anderson Silva e Chris Weidman They faced each other in 2013. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Remembered by many as the man to end the reign of Anderson Silva in the UFC, Chris Weidman He accomplished a great feat in 2013 when he knocked out the Brazilian and became the new middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. At the time, the American was riding a five-fight winning streak, three of which were by stoppage.

Confident in his talent and ability to handle the unique skills displayed by Anderson, Weidman opened up and revealed that he had begged Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta to give him the opportunity to face 'Spider'. According to the veteran, he managed to fulfill his promise to finish the Brazilian.

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“I was the one who made this fight happen. I met with Dana and Lorenzo and begged them. I said, ‘Please, give me Anderson, I’m telling you, not only will I beat him, I’ll finish him.’ I was on a mission. I watched his fights, I saw all his most memorable knockouts. I saw how he made people look like idiots inside the octagon. There were times when these doubts came to my mind, as well as the possibility of embarrassing myself and not achieving my goals, I fought against these thoughts every second of the day,” Weidman declared in an interview with Daniel Cormier.

Chris Weidman in victory over Anderson Silva at UFC 162. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

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Winning by knockout in the second round, Weidman capitalized on Anderson's taunts and landed a solid punch on his opponent's chin, immediately knocking him to the canvas.

At the time, UFC 162 was held at the T-Mobile Arena, which was a mix of emotions as the new champion and a legend were defeated after 16 undefeated fights in the organization.

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