"Critiquing the Cage" UFC 162: Weidman Stuns Silva

The match between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman began as expected with Silva dominating Weidman and getting into his head, frustrating his young opponent. Weidman was aggressive and landed an early takedown in the first round against Silva to no avail.  Weidman was clearly flustered and confused at the end of first round with Silva's antics, his taunting and teasing, and making Weidman miss punches and egging him on to "fight".

As the second round got underway, it was more of the same from Silva, teasing Weidman and playing mind games. But Silva's arrogance got the best of him when Weidman landed a left hook, knocking Silva out. 

This was Silva's fight to win, but his arrogance cost him his title and made Weidman the new middleweight champ.

Although Weidman won the fight, he didn't show anything spectacular, and has a lot more to prove. 

Silva, during his post fight interview, said that he won't fight for the title or request a rematch, rather, he will continue to fight the remaining ten bouts on his contract. Silva praised Weidman for becoming the champ and left the ring graciously.

Weidman will most definitely be closely watched after his legendary win against Anderson Silva.

"Critiquing the Cage" UFC 162: Silva vs Weidman

The match-up between Anderson "The Spider Silva and Chris "The All American" Weidman, promises to be one for the ages! With both Silva and Weidman coming off hiatus, will the power and experience of Silva reign supreme, or will Weidman's youth and eagerness to defeat Silva, stun the champ?

Weidman is most certainly a worthy opponent, and a win over Silva will catapult him to MMA greatness. But let's look at the facts here: Weidman is new to  this game and Silva has performed and been victorious on this stage many times. Silva's ability to adjust in the ring is phenomenal, and his all around knowledge of hands, submissions and ground game makes him impossible to beat.

Compared to Weidman's previous foes, Silva is the same height as Weidman and cuts his reach advantage by 3 inches as opposed to his other opponents in which he had a bigger reach advantage. Weidman's wrestling background and his variety of techniques will certainly give Silva a run for his money. But can he manage Silva's almost identical physicality.

Weidman will be tested both physically and mentally by Silva, who is 9 years his senior, a factor that is irrelevant because he shows no sign of slowing down.

Ultimately, Silva will be victorious over Weidman through his ability to stay relaxed and making necessary adjustments to retain his title.