Learn more about Chris Weidman's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Pro since 2009
- Defeated Phil Davis and Ryan Bader during his college wrestling career
- Six wins by KO, four by submission (D’Arce, arm triangle, guillotine, kimura)
- Six first round finishes
- Has won two of his last five
UFC History
UFC 261 (4/24/21) Weidman was defeated by Uriah Hall via TKO (injury) at :17 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (8/8/20) Weidman won a three round unanimous decision over Omari Akhmedov
UFC on ESPN (10/18/19) Weidman was knocked out by Dominick Reyes at 1:43 of the first round
UFC 230 (11/3/18) Weidman was knocked out by Ronaldo Souza at 2:46 of the third round
UFC on FOX (7/22/17) Weidman submitted Kelvin Gastelum via arm triangle at 3:45 of the third round
UFC 210 (4/8/17) Weidman was stopped by Gegard Mousasi via strikes at 3:13 of the second round
UFC 205 (11/12/16) Weidman was knocked out by Yoel Romero at :24 of the third round
UFC 194 (12/12/15) Weidman was stopped by Luke Rockhold via strikes at 3:12 of the fourth round, losing his UFC middleweight championship
UFC 187 (5/23/15) Weidman stopped Vitor Belfort via strikes at 2:53 of the first round to retain his UFC middleweight championship
UFC 175 (7/5/14) Weidman won a five round unanimous decision over Lyoto Machida to retain his UFC middleweight championship
UFC 168 (12/28/13) Weidman scored a TKO (injury) win over Anderson Silva at 1:16 of the second round to retain his UFC middleweight championship
UFC 162 (7/6/13) Weidman knocked out Anderson Silva at 1:18 of the second round to win the UFC middleweight championship
UFC on FUEL TV (7/11/12) Weidman knocked out Mark Munoz at 1:37 of the second round
UFC on FOX (1/28/12) Weidman won a three round unanimous decision over Demiam Maia
UFC 139 (11/19/11) Weidman submitted Tom Lawlor via D’arce choke at 2:07 of the first round
UFC 131 (6/11/11) Weidman submitted Jesse Bongfeldt via guillotine choke at 4:54 of the first round
UFC Live on VS 3 (3/3/11) Weidman won a three round unanimous decision over Alessio Sakara
Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting? I was helping some MMA fighters with their wrestling, then I got interested.
What ranks and titles have you held? Former UFC middleweight champion, two-time Junior College All-American, two-time Division 1 All-American at Hofstra, NYS High School Wrestling Champion, 2007 CAA Wrestling Champion, NYS College Wrestling Champion, Ring of Combat Middleweight Champion, Grapplers Quest Absolute Division Champion, US Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion. Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Do you have any heroes? Without a doubt, my hero is my father. I have seen him go through some pretty difficult things in his life with owning his own business and personally. He handles all situations with tact and respect for others. And if he was ever at fault, he had no problem owning up to it. I have always admired how he treated his employees and would give them the shirt off his back if they needed it, without thinking of himself. He has made it to almost every single one of my and my siblings’ matches, games, school events, etc and he is probably the loudest, most emotional supporter in the stands. His love for our entire family and God is something I look to uphold in my own life.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I have set a lot of goals in my life, especially athletically. Some I have accomplished and others I wasn't able to. However, I can say that none of those matter now because fighting in the UFC was my ultimate goal and dream.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology as well as a master’s in Physical Education
What was your job before you started fighting? Before I started fighting, I was an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Hofstra University and a full time graduate student.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? I was Grapplers Quest champion in my weight class and in the absolute division, with all 13 matches ending in submission. Abu Dhabi trials champion with submission win in the finals over a world champion.
Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Ring of Combat Middleweight Champion, US Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion 2009, ADCC Participant and Absolute Division ADCC Participant (referee chosen).
Favorite grappling technique: Armbar
Favorite striking technique: Hook
