Chris Weidman come into the UFC with a perfect 4-0 record, but it is uncommon for anyone to come into the UFC after only four professional fights. However, Weidman was a NCAA Division 1 All-American wrestler in 2006 and 2007 at Hofstra University and had the backing of a former UFC welterweight champion Matt Serra.

Weidman won his first four fights for the Ring of Combat organization in New Jersey, but then had difficulty finding opponents. Then he was offered the opportunity to fight Alessio Sakara at UFC on Versus 3 in early 2011, a fight which he won and never looked back.

Weidman would continue to impress in the UFC winning his next four fights with stoppages of Jesse Bongfeldt, Tom Lawlor, Mark Munoz and a decision win over highly ranked Demian Maia. Then he was offered a title fight against arguably the greatest middleweight of all-time Anderson Silva at UFC 162.

Weidman came into the bought as a +165 underdog to champion Anderson Silva who at the time had never lost a fight in the Octagon and was on sixteen fight winning streak in the UFC.

When the bell rang out, Weidman stayed composed as Anderson Silva seemed to be taking the fight lightly and moving around playfully. However Weidman got the fight to the mat early in the first round, controlling Silva and even attempting a submission. Silva eventualy got to his feet and started taunting Weidman with his hands down for a good part of the remaining round.

The second round opened with much of the same from Silva who looked like he was having fun, however Silva made a fatal mistake putting his hands down and trying to duck punches with his hands down and Weidman collected with a huge hook that put Silva unconscious.

Although some thought the fight was a fluke, Weidman would win the rematch when Silva broke his leg when his kick was checked. Weidman would go on to defend his title against Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort and prove he was a legitimate champion.

Chris Weidman will next defend his title at UFC 194 versus Luke Rockhold.