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Sunday, May 05, 2013

Opinion: Chris Weidman Needs To Back Up His Talk

Chris Weidman

By Michael Hatamoto

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has faced little in-cage adversity during his epic title run, though challenger Chris Weidman hopes to disrupt the dominant Brazilian fighter’s championship run.

Weidman will look to try and follow Chael Sonnen’s blue print of exploiting Silva’s wrestling defense, though wants to land additional damage in a ground war. Weidman is more explosive with his striking and wrestling than Sonnen’s constant pressure and grinding style – but Weidman can’t be overconfident, or he could end up being knocked unconscious if too overzealous.

I don’t mind when MMA fighters talk some trash and have a high level of confidence prior to a fight, but it’s frustrating when they don’t deliver in the fight. Instead of spending so much time talking – especially now that Weidman has the fight – he should focus on training and preparing a game plan for Silva.

Here is what Weidman said regarding the continued interviews and talk (via UFC.com):

“This is the entertainment business and you have to stay in people’s line of sight. You can’t just fight and then disappear. You have to make yourself stand out as much as possible to make sure people are constantly thinking about you. I put myself out there as much as I could and it paid off.”

If Weidman puts Silva on his back, I’m curious to see if he’ll be able to use ground and pound to try for a submission, or if Silva will be able to get back to his feet. In the striking department, however, it shouldn’t be close due to Silva’s pinpoint striking and excellent head movement.

Weidman shouldn’t be a stroll in the park for Silva, but I believe the only person that can beat Silva right now is UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

posted by FCF Staff @ 9:10 pm
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