Chris Weidman is back where he began.
The former UFC Middleweight Champion made his pro MMA debut in Atlantic City and that’s where he returns for his 19th appearance in the Octagon. Weidman takes on Brazilian knockout artist Bruno Silva in a middleweight matchup.
The action takes place from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Both fighters look to rebound from back-to-back losses. ‘The All-American’ fell victim to a leg kick clinic from Brad Tavares at UFC 292 in August, admitting he was gun-shy because of a grueling leg break in his previous outing against Uriah Hall in 2021.
We last saw Silva in a three-round war against the debuting Shara Magomedov at UFC 294. The striker lost by unanimous decision but looks to get back to winning ways, this time over a former champ.
Round 1:
Weidman takes the center of the Octagon. Weidman looks to close the distance early, pressing forward. Front kicks lands for Weidman. Weidman goes on the offense, swinging big in the pocket. Weidman clinches up with Silva up against the cage, delivering knees to the head of the Brazilian. Weidman grabs a takedown on Silva, who manages to get up back to his feet.
Weidman stays on Silva, trying to get the fight to the ground. Silva is controlled by Weidman up against the cage. ‘The All-American’ lands a few knees from this position up until the end of the round.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Weidman
Round 2:
Weidman lands a leg kick and Silva returns big with a shot. Another leg kick lands for Weidman. Silva pumps out the right hand. Silva hits the former champ with a body kick. Weidman returns with one of his own. Silva stuffs a takedown from Weidman. Silva rushes forward, just missing on his strikes.
Body shot lands for Weidman. The action is paused because of an accidental eye poke from Weidman. The fight continues with Weidman opening up with a leg kick. Weidman attempts a takedown but is denied. Weidman lands multiple kicks. Silva rushes in but Weidman is elusive in his defense. Weidman eats a few punches to the head from his opponent.
Silva continues to land but Weidman can crack, too, landing counters on the aggressive Brazilian. Weidman walks down Silva with shots in the final seconds of the round.
Christopher De Santiago scores the round: 10-9 Weidman
Round 3:
The final round begins with an eyepoke on both men apparently, with the referee putting a pause to the fight. The fight continues but with warnings. Silva eats a jab from Weidman. Silva goes up top with headkicks that don’t find their target. Weidman clubs Silva with a combo. Weidman throws a right hand.
Weidman eye pokes Silva again as he is coming in and Silva drops down to his feet. Weidman swarms Silva on the ground with follow-up strikes to put a finish to the fight.
Official result: Chris Weidman defeats Bruno Silva via unanimous decision after an eyepoke stopped the contest in round 3 (2:18)
Check out the highlights below:
WHAT AN ENDING TO THE SECOND ROUND FOR CHRIS WEIDMAN! #UFCAtlanticCity 🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/fnJeoBWufL
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 31, 2024
CHRIS WEIDMAN KNOCKS OUT BRUNO SILVA IN THE THIRD!! #UFCAtlanticCitypic.twitter.com/1baDjOHOnW
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 31, 2024
CHRIS 👏 WEIDMAN 👏 IS 👏 BACK 👏@ChrisWeidman finds his way into the win column with a 3rd round KO! 🇺🇸 #UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/Up5pCGT74m
— UFC (@ufc) March 31, 2024
