Chris Weidman: UFC's Real Rocky Story Makes His Way to Championship Contender

Boxing has Rocky Balboa …

MMA has Chris Weidman.

The Long Island mixed martial artist is the combat sport’s true underdog story.

The 28-year-old was an All-American wrestler during his college days at Hofstra University, and then became a wrestling coach there after he graduated. But he was looking for more of a challenge.  After meeting trainer Ray Longo, Chris found that challenge in MMA.

MMA promoter Bellator offered Weidman a contract, but Chris – despite living in his parents’ basement with his wife and daughter – didn’t agree with the terms of the deal and declined. 

In 2011, Weidman then attended a StrikeForce event with his best friend. UFC called to see if Chris could fill the card of an injured fighter, to fight Alessio Sakara.

Despite nursing broken ribs and being overweight, Weidman whipped himself into shape and took the fight on only 3 weeks notice.

Weidman won the match and has not looked back. 

He is undefeated and goes for win #9 against Mark Munoz in San Jose.

Bleacher Report gets an inside look at how a young, hungry and relatively unknown fighter is trying to make a name for himself in the rough and tumble world of MMA.

Credits:

Director/Producer: Amir Ebrahimi

DP: Gregg Conde

Editor: Jacques del Conte

Sound: Tyson Dai

Camera op: Nora Schaffer

PA: Hunter Mandel

Special thanks to:

UFC

Ray Longo

Ray Longo GYM