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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May 23, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chris Wiedman (red gloves) and Vitor Belfort (blue gloves) fight 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 /

3. If the finish is there, take it.

Being cut from the same cloth as Cain Velasquez has given Rockhold great cardio. He will likely have more gas in the tank if the fight ventures into the championship rounds.

Weidman should look to finish the fight early if he has the opportunity to do so.

Conventional wisdom states that Weidman’s best chance at a finish will come by taking Rockhold to the mat early, and doing to Rockhold what he did to Vitor Belfort. He gained full mount and pounded the life out of the face of Belfort’s face. If that’s available to Weidman, his eyes will light up like a christmas tree.

However, this is a dual-edged sword.

Earlier, we mentioned that Weidman must be patient. That is still the case. Overextending himself for a finish will not do him any favors. He must be patient and fight his way towards the finish. However, when the opportunity arises, Weidman must capitalize.

Again, finding the balance between aggression and patience will be Weidman’s mantra. Over-extensions for takedowns will lead to openings for Rockhold. However, if Weidman can extinguish Rockhold when he has the opportunity to do so, he’ll maintain his undefeated record. As most wrestlers do in the cage, he must suck the life out of Rockhold.

Next: 2. Gain top position

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