UFC Middleweight #1 contender Chris Weidman is a significant underdog against champ Anderson Silva at UFC 162, according to the odds makers at least. Weidman's down by -220 to -330 per Best Fight Odds.
The pro fighters who have come out with picks for the fight have been a little more generous with Mr. Weidman's chances.
The challenger has gotten a boost to his confidence from the support of his fellow pros. Per MMA Junkie:
"I was kind of getting the feeling a lot of fighters were picking me. It's awesome that my peers see something in me that I could beat the greatest of all-time. I see it myself, but it gives me a little extra boost of confidence when other guys are seeing it too.
"Most of them are not even in the gym with me. They're just going based off my fights. I think the guys that are in the gym with me feel that even more."
Weidman's not just basing his confidence on faith either, he's brought in a ringer to help him train, UFC Welterweight Stephen "Wonder Boy" Thompson:
"He's actually sparred Anderson Silva before," Weidman said. "He was able to emulate Anderson the best. He's a little smaller than me, but for the standup, he helped me get used to the quickness. He's been doing standup since he was like 4 years old, so he's so relaxed in there, similar to Anderson. That was a big help, too."
SBN coverage of UFC 162: Silva vs. Weidman
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