Chris Weidman needs to remain champion at UFC 175 to remove 'fluke' title

The middleweight championship is on the line at UFC 175 as Chris Weidman is set to defend his title against former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida.  UFC 175 takes place on July 5th during the Fourth of July International Fight Weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Weidman and Machida are the headliners.

 

 

Chris Weidman became champion last summer when he surprisingly knocked out the long time titleholder and pound-for-pound king, Anderson Silva.  Many people believed it was a fluke, because Silva was holding his hands down, so some people believe Weidman got an easy knockout. 

The highly anticipated rematch occurred at the 2013 end-of-year card in December.  Although Weidman was prepared to make his first title defense, he was the underdog going into the fight.  Weidman needed a legitimate win to be able to get rid of his 'fluke' title given to him by many.  He did just the opposite. 

I'm sure we all know, Weidman snapped Silva's leg as he checked one of The Spider's kicks.  This was even a potentially bigger fluke than his first finish.  Although Weidman was likely winning the fight, it was definitely far from over and Silva had a chance of getting the middleweight strap back around his waist.  This leg break put Silva's future in jeopardy as no one knew if he was going to return, but he quickly has recovered and has just been cleared to spar.  He is likely returning in early 2015 possibly against Nick Diaz.  Weidman still has the fluke title by some people, as both his wins were in my eyes, a fluke.  There's no way else to put it.  Anyone could've knocked Silva out in the first fight, as he had his hands down purposely, pretending to be hurt.  Then he snapped his leg in the rematch. 

This is where his second title defense against Machida comes in.  If he beats him in a legitimate fashion, such as putting on a dominant performance leading to a unanimous decision win, or even a finish.  If he breaks Machida's leg, well then, he'll still likely have the title as a fluke champion.