A critical error in fight IQ set the stage for Chris Weidman to get finished by Eryk Anders at UFC 310.
After scoring a knockdown in the opening round of the 195-pound catchweight bout on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena, Weidman (16-8 MMA, 12-8 UFC) went for an ill-advised choke attempt that allowed Anders (17-7 MMA, 9-8 UFC) to get into position to open up and finish the job by second-round TKO.
The first round was all-out aggression from Anders, who attempted multiple takedowns and hurt Weidman with a head kick. He also landed an illegal strike to a downed opponent as Weidman was getting up, but he was able to fight on and shortly thereafter landed a huge punch that knocked Anders down and had him in survival mode for the remainder of the round.
Showcasing the power early 😮💨
[ #UFC310 | @ChrisWeidman ] pic.twitter.com/mIBCrql3zV
— UFC (@ufc) December 8, 2024
Anders appeared recovered going into the second frame, and took the advice from his coaches to push harder on the striking. He closed the distance and Weidman dropped to his back for an unsuccessful guillotine, which cost him badly because Anders got on top and spent the next several minutes landed punches from on top. Weidman received multiple warnings to defend himself, and Anders opened it up to force Mark Smith to stop it at the 4:51 mark of Round 2.
Eryk Anders stops Chris Weidman in round 2 👊#UFC310 | LIVE NOW | ESPN+ 🍿 https://t.co/XX1YuUOYuv pic.twitter.com/Sy03VsMAYR
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 8, 2024
Despite scoring arguably the biggest win of his career against a former UFC champion, Anders said this high point will be one of the last of his career, as he revealed he intends to retire after a couple more fights.
“I got two more,” Anders said in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. “I’m not chasing the belt. I don’t care about top 15. Whoever wants to get in here and mix it up, I’m down for it.”
Up-to-the-minute UFC 310 results include:
- Eryk Anders def. Chris Weidman via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 4:51
- Joshua Van def. Cody Durden via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-27)
- Michael Chiesa def. Max Griffin via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:56
- Chase Hooper def. Clay Guida via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:41
- Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Lukasz Brzeski via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:51
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.
