UFC 162 brings fight fans the biggest MMA card of the year, with Anderson Silva (arguably the greatest fighter in history) fighting young up and comer Chris Weidman. Or so it’s been billed that way…

Without selling Anderson Silva short, he’s got a fight on his hands, at least on paper. Chris Weidman is a grappling prodigy, training under the likes of Renzo Gracie, John Danaher and Matt Serra. Not a bad resume for someone whose been considered an underdog for most of his career. His striking isn’t too shabby either, with knockouts over the likes of “Ultimate Fighter Season 17 finalist” Uriah Hall and Mark Munoz. However impressive these credits seem though, I believe he still doesn’t get the respect he deserves.

Chris Weidman improves every time he enters the octagon and has seemingly destroyed all his opponents. When he’s looked “off the pace” (see the Demain Maia fight) he hasn’t had a full training camp to prepare. He’s hungry for success and takes massive risks to succeed. This alone makes this a very dangerous fight for Anderson Silva, who’s been completely untouchable since his 16-fight tenure started in the UFC on June 28, 2006.

Again, I don’t want to sell Anderson Silva short here. He’s a killer. A born destroyer. He moves like he’s in the Matrix and dominates people at will. His crazy strikes and deadly submissions make professional fighters look amateur and leaves fans completely bewildered as to what happened. His knockouts over world-class competition such as Vitor Belfort (victim of the crazy front kick knockout), Yushin Okami, Chael Sonnen and Rich Franklin (twice) not to mention his many submissions over world-class grapplers make him one of the most feared guys on the planet.

With that being said, there have been holes in his game exposed by the very vocal Chael Sonnen, who proclaimed these weaknesses over a two year period. He completely outed the Brazillian on some of his weaknesses and frequently referred to the idea that he had “never seen him fight”. What he meant by this was that his past opponents have given him too much respect and space and leave him to move around and attack. Chael didn’t do this. He used constant pressure to fluster the champion, and although Anderson Silva persevered and got the victory (twice), fight fans all over the world learned a very sobering truth; Anderson Silva doesn’t respond well to constant pressure and elite wrestling.

Am I saying Chris Weidman is an absolute, no doubt in my mind winner in the fight? Absolutely not. But I do think he has a chance and for anyone to completely dismiss his chances is very naive. Styles make fights, and these conflicting styles may provide fans with an incredible show down. Will the hungry, inexperienced 29 year old prove too much for the experienced, diverse 38 year old champion? Only time will tell. One thing’s certain though; history will be made. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

UK and Irish fans can watch UFC 162 on ESPN from 1am on July 7^th and American fans can catch the fights on Pay-Per-View. For worldwide scheduling of UFC 162, go to http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC162/watch