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Chris Weidman overcomes his toughest UFC challenge by defeating former number one middleweight contender, Demian Maia, by split decision with only 11 days notice.

For all three rounds, Demian Maia and Chris Weidman fought a close battle.  Each elite grappler kept the fight standing and exchanged blows, with neither showing a significant advantage.  Weidman, however, landed each take down he had attempted that may have tipped the scale in his favor over the former title contender.

CHRIS WEIDMAN

“I took this fight on very short notice. My friends and family said I was crazy, but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. To be able to fight a top contender like Maia on FOX was incredible. Walking out of the Octagon after a fight like that with a ‘W’ was exactly what I wanted to accomplish. I showed everyone and myself what I am capable of. This win puts me pretty far up the middleweight ladder and right in the mix with the rest of the top fighters.”

DEMIAN MAIA

“I went in there and traded with him to give the fans a good show. From a strategy standpoint, I should have taken him down more and used my Brazilian jiu-jitsu. This was a tough fight between two very tough guys. I tried my best to win this fight, but I will be back in the gym soon to continue improving myself.”

The UFC added another high profile fight for their second instalment of the UFC on Fox series. The latest addition to the card is a middleweight showdown between UK bad boy Michael Bisping vs. jiu jitsu ace Demain Maia.

Bisping (22-3) is coming off of a huge TKO victory over Jason “Mayhem” Miller at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale and will look to extend his 4 unbeaten streak.

Maia (15-3) has been on a bit of a rough patch going 4-3 in his last 7 fights. His 6 fights have gone to the judges score cards, with his last one being a victory over Jorge Santiago at UFC 136.

The main event on the card will be a light heavyweight clash between “Suga” Rashad Evans and Phil Davis. The co-main event will feature a number one contender match between Chael Sonnen and Mark Munoz.

UFC on FOX 2 will take place on Jan. 28th at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The card will also feature George Roop, Cody McKenzie, Evan Dunham and Paul Sass.

Who will have their hands raised and be one step closer to a title shot? If Evans wins he will be next in line for the light heavyweight belt, while Bisping, Sonnen and Munoz are looking to clash with middleweight champion Anderson Silva.