Christopher James Weidman was born June 17, 1984, in Baldwin, New York, and currently competes as an American mixed martial artist for UFC's Middleweight Division. Since joining in 2011, Weidman went on a 9-fight winning streak. He also attained NJCAA and NCAA Division I All-American status during his college years.
At Baldwin Senior High School, Weidman became both a Nassau County and a New York state wrestling champion. His success continued at Nassau Community College, where he won All-American honors twice before transferring to Hofstra University, where he excelled as an NCAA Division I All-American twice and two-time NYS Collegiate Champion. He finished sixth at one NCAA championship and third the next year.
Hofstra University awarded Weidman both his undergraduate degree in psychology and graduate degree in physical education. While at Hofstra, he even served as a wrestling instructor. Weidman made headlines worldwide when he defeated Anderson Silva for the UFC Middleweight Championship title and ended Silva's lengthy winning streak and reign as champion. Weidman successfully defended it three times during his two and half year championship tenure.
Chris Weidman Injury
In April 2021, Weidman suffered a grueling injury, snapping both his fibula and tibia during his fight against Uriah Hall.
In the initial moments of the first round, Weidman delivered a forceful outside low kick that Hall countered by using his left knee to check the kick. Unfortunately, this resulted in Weidman's right fibula and tibia breaking upon impact. Instantly collapsing to the mat, the referee, Herb Dean, halted the fight and declared Hall the victor through a technical knockout. This injury bore a resemblance to the one Weidman inflicted on 'The Spider' Anderson Silva in their rematch in December 2013, where a leg kick from Weidman caused Silva's left fibula and tibia to fracture.
After his injury at UFC 261, Weidman was taken out on a stretcher and transported directly to a hospital, where he underwent surgery. On the following day, medical professionals informed him he would require crutches for eight weeks or longer before returning to training MMA full-time again, though impressively, he began light training only seven weeks post-injury. Due to complications in the healing processes, Weidman underwent further surgeries before eventually returning to full-time training.
What bones did Chris Weidman break?
Chris Weidman suffered a break in both his right fibula and tibia bones during his fight against Uriah Hall in April 2021.
These bones are particularly vulnerable to breakage in MMA. The fibula and tibia are located in the lower leg and play a crucial role in supporting body weight and facilitating movement. The fibula, the thinner of the two, runs alongside the tibia and primarily serves as a stabilizing structure. The tibia, the larger and weight-bearing bone, is essential for providing strength and stability to the leg. During fights, especially when powerful kicks are involved, these bones can be susceptible to fractures.
The impact from a checked kick, where an opponent defends by raising their knee, can transmit a significant force to the bones, leading to breaks. This risk is heightened due to the intense physical demands and forceful techniques in MMA, making proper technique and defensive measures crucial to avoid such injuries.
Some fighters who have broken other than Chris Weidman include Anderson Silva, Conor McGregor, and Corey Hill.
Last Updated On March 27, 2024.
FAQs
A. Weidman fractured both his fibula and tibia.
A. Weidman remained inactive for up to 2 years to let his injury fully heal and recover.
A. Chris Weidman’s injury was against Uriah Hall in April 2021.
A. Yes, Weidman suffered the same injury that he inflicted on Anderson Silva.
A. Some fighters who broke their leg in the UFC include Conor McGregor, Anderson Silva, Chris Weidman, and Corey Hill.
