Weidman, on rematch with Anderson: 'I saw the fear in his eyes'

In the first fight, Anderson was knocked out by Weidman. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Great tormentor of Anderson Silva in the octagon, Chris Weidman considers that his first triumph over the Brazilian was the moment that forever changed the direction of the “Spider’s” career.

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Anderson lost his undefeated UFC record in July 2013 when he was surprisingly knocked out by Weidman. At the time, the Brazilian exuded confidence and provoked his rival with his guard down, but a well-aimed blow took down the then champion and crowned the North American.

In an interview with the North American broadcaster “FOX Sports”, Weidman stated that, from then on, “Spider’s” confidence was no longer the same. “People thought his chin was indestructible. He probably thought that, so he let his guard down and fought with confidence. After I knocked him out, we faced each other for the second time and I knocked him down with a hook in the clinch that wasn't even the biggest blow in the world,” he commented. “At that moment, I realized his chin wasn't as strong as it used to be. I remember getting to the second round and almost seeing the fear and uncertainty in his eyes,” added the fighter.

Weidman was UFC champion between July 2013 and December 2015, when he was dethroned by his compatriot Luke Rockhold. The two will fight for the middleweight title in June, in the main fight of UFC 199.