Fighter Profile: Chris "All-American" Weidman

Middleweight prospect Chris Weidman stepped in on just a two weeks notice to fight BJJ wizard Demian Maia. With many casual fans asking who he is, or what he has done to earn a shot at Top 5 former title contender Maia, this seems like a perfect opportunity to introduce "The All American" to the mass audience.

Born in 1984 in New York, in his college years, Weidman received much recognition for becoming an 2 time NCAA Division 1 champion and finishing third in his senior year. With an impressive overall career, he hlds a notable victory over UFC Lightheavyweight Phil Davis, who will be headlining UFC on FOX 2 in a fight with Rashad Evans.

Graduating college, Weidman took up BJJ under reknowned BJJ practioniors Matt Serra and Ray Longo, fighting out of The Serra-Longo fight team. Currently a puple belt, "The All American" amazed many in 2009 when he entered and qualified for the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship, despite having just one full year of training.

Weidman quickly progressed to the latter stages of the competition. He faced of against Black belt and well respected grappler Andre Galvao, narrowly losing out in a hotly contested fight.

Making is MMA debut in 2009, Weidman fought twice each in both 2009 and 2010 under The Ring Of Combat banner. He won via 1 decision, 2 knocouts and a submission, before signing with the UFC in 2011.

Wediman first stepped inside The Octagon on the March 3rd, UFC: Sanchez vs Kampmann card. Taking on dangerous boxer and BJJ Black Belt Allesio Sakara, and defeated "Legionaries" via a clear unanimous decision. He out classed the veteran in all aspects of the fight. At UFC 131 he returned, stepping up on short notice to face Jesse Bongfeldt, defeating him via standing guillotine, earning submission of the night bonus in the process. His most recent outing saw him quickly finish Tom Lawlor in impressive fashion, by picture perfect D'Arce choke.

Despite having just two weeks to prepare for one of the divisions perenial threats, Weidman is well equipped to deal with the always dangerous grappler Maia. With ever improving stand up, Weidman has the potential to be a serious threat to both Maia and the rest of the division. A decisive win over Maia would certainly put the remainder of the 185 pounders on notice. Posing a considerable advantage in the stand up, Weidman is understandly the odds makers favourite. He has the potential to outstirke his opponent on the feet, and has the wrestling game to put maia on the ground. Given his experience as a grappler, Weidman leaves Maia with less of an advantage than he is accustomed to, and may even be willing to put Maia on his back and keep the fight there. 

Come this Sunday, regardless of result, the audience at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois is going to see a new prospect fighting on his biggest stage yet, against his toughest test to date.