Chris Weidman

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Weidman's career is defined by one of the greatest upsets in MMA history: ending Anderson Silva's nearly seven-year title reign in 2013. He became only the second fighter to defeat Silva in the UFC and the first to finish him with strikes. His three title defenses against Machida, Belfort, and Silva placed him among the elite middleweights of his era. A two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, Weidman translated his grappling dominance into UFC success, earning a UFC Hall of Fame induction in 2024. His resilience in returning from a catastrophic leg break further cemented his reputation for toughness.

AwardsWeidman won the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2013 and successfully defended it three times. He earned Fight of the Night at UFC 187, Performance of the Night at UFC on Fuel TV 4, and Submission of the Night at UFC 175. The World MMA Awards named his victory over Anderson Silva both Fight of the Year and Upset of the Year in 2013, and he was named Breakthrough Fighter of the Year. In 2024, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame's Modern Wing.

Honours & Distinctions

UFC Hall of Fame (Modern Wing)

UFC·2024

Inducted for his career achievements, highlighted by his victory over Anderson Silva.

Long Island Sports Hall of Fame

Long Island Sports Hall of Fame·2024

Inducted for his contributions to sports on Long Island.

Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame

Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame·2024

Inducted for his wrestling and MMA career.

Key to the Town of Hempstead

Town of Hempstead·2014

Awarded by Town Supervisor Kate Murray for his UFC championship victory.

Proclamation from Nassau County Legislature

Nassau County Legislature·2014

Honored for his UFC title win and representation of Nassau County.

Rankings & Lists

Top 10 UFC Middleweights of All Time

UFC.com·2020

#Listed

Top 10 UFC Middleweights in History

ESPN·2023

Greatest UFC Middleweight Champions

Bleacher Report·2023

Fight of the Year

MMAFighting.com·2013

Magazine Covers

Sports Illustrated

July 15, 2013

The Giant Killer: Chris Weidman Shocks Anderson Silva

MMA Weekly

August 2013

The New King: Chris Weidman's Rise to the Top

Fight! Magazine

September 2013

Weidman Wreaks Havoc

ESPN The Magazine

December 2013

The Rematch: Silva vs. Weidman II

MMA Fighting

May 2015

Weidman vs. Belfort: The Title Defense

Records & Feats

First fighter to finish Anderson Silva with strikes in the UFC

Historic First·2013

Weidman knocked out Silva at UFC 162, ending Silva's 16-fight UFC winning streak and 2,457-day title reign.

One of the biggest upsets in UFC history

Career Milestone·2013

Weidman entered UFC 162 as a significant underdog against Silva, who was widely considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time.