UFC 175: Weidman vs Machida
This event was the beginning of a new era in the middleweight division. The year before, Chris Weidman had shocked the world by knocking out longtime champion Anderson Silva. Weidman would retain the belt in the rematch and the first opponent he had in his sights post-Silva was former light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.
The two fought in an exciting five round contest that introduced casual fans to the skills of “The All American” without the cloud of Silva over him. While both fights with “The Spider” ended in stunning fashion, Weidman was able to showcase his high fight IQ and well-rounded skills against “The Dragon.” Weidman would take the decision and would go on to defeat Vitor Belfort the following year.
What is notable about this event is that it was one of the few where Ronda Rousey was not the headliner on the card. Rousey had debuted in the UFC the year before, but was still on the rise toward becoming the biggest cross-over star in the history of the sport. Her fight with Alexis Davis that night, however, was the birth of her legendary finishing abilities. She won the fight by TKO in an incredible 16 seconds. Already the biggest name in women’s MMA, it was believed she wouldn’t be able to top such a devastating performance. Instead, she upped the ante by submitting Cat Zingano in a jaw-dropping 14 seconds.
Weidman would cement his place as the new face of the middleweight division with the victory, but it is a testament to Rousey’s star power that she was becoming the face of the entire sport despite being the co-headliner.
