5 keys to victory for Chris Weidman at UFC 194

May 23, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chris Wiedman (red gloves) celebrates after knocking out Vitor Belfort (not pictured) during their middleweight championship bout during UFC 187 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Weidman won via first round TKO. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 5, 2014; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Lyoto Machida (blue gloves) and Chris Weidman (red gloves) exchange blows during a middleweight tite fight at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Get inside and work the body

Weidman may own a one-inch reach advantage in this fight, but he’ll want to work inside early against Rockhold.

Weidman’s boxing thrives on the power punch. He has the ability to knock you dead with one blow. He throws a looping overhand right that may be matched only by the great Chuck Liddell. Rockhold is aware of this, and will want to keep his distance.

With that being said, it will be crucial for Weidman to move inside and to work the body. Rockhold has impeccable cardio, so working the body early will help Weidman to wear him down in the early rounds of the fight. Also, working inside will allow Weidman to say away from Rockhold’s kicks, which is one of Rockhold’s primary advantages in the fight.

He will also be able to incorporate his wrestling from the inside. By clinching and pummeling with Rockhold, he’ll be able to set up takedowns and throws while also forcing the challenger to carry his weight. Rockhold might be an inch taller than Weidman, but Weidman might be the heavier fighter when the two enter the cage.

The more damage that Weidman can do to Rockhold’s body, the less he will have to worry about being sniped from range.

Next: 3. If the finish is there, take it

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