'I Just Begged Him' – Chris Weidman Recalls Promise to Dana White Before Anderson Silva Fight

Following their rematch, both fighters experienced contrasting trajectories. Weidman went on to defend his title multiple times but later faced a series of setbacks and injuries that impacted his momentum. Silva, on the other hand, struggled to regain his championship form after the leg injury and eventually transitioned into the latter stages of his career, making periodic appearances before retiring.

The two fights between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman remain landmarks in the history of mixed martial arts. They symbolize both the rise of a new champion and the fall of a legendary reign, showing the unpredictable nature of the sport. Even years later, their rivalry remains a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change inside the Octagon.

Chris Weidman talks about Anderson Silva’s leg injury

The UFC 168 rematch between Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva remains one of the most shocking moments in MMA history. What began as a highly anticipated middleweight title bout quickly turned into a scene of disbelief when Silva suffered a severe leg injury. During the second round, the Brazilian threw a leg kick that was checked by Weidman, resulting in an immediate and devastating leg snap.

At first, the ‘All-American’ appeared to celebrate the win, unaware of the extent of the ‘Spider’s injury. However, moments later, as he realized the severity of what had occurred, concern quickly replaced celebration. Weidman recently spoke about his mindset and immediate thoughts after the injury in an interview with UFC legend Daniel Cormier.

I didn’t know. As soon as he went down, I thought he was hurt. He threw a leg kick without any setup, and I thought he probably hurt his shin, so I started running around the octagon — I won. And then I heard a scream from Anderson, and I was like, ‘Why is he screaming like that?’ Then I came over and saw his leg all messed up. It was very hard for me to be happy.

Chris Weidman via The Daniel Cormier Show

In a strange twist of fate, years later, Weidman would experience the same kind of injury he once inflicted. During his bout against Uriah Hall at UFC 261, Weidman suffered a gruesome leg break after his opening kick was checked, mirroring Silva’s misfortune. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictability of combat sports and how even the most seasoned fighters can face the very dangers they once overcame.