Chris Weidman on getting lucky against Anderson Silva

"Luck is opportunity meets preparation". That's a definition that a lot of people place on luck, and within the context of mixed martial arts it makes sense. In a sport where anything can happen, there are so many ways to win (and lose), and you will see an infinite amount of endings to a fight. Sometimes it comes down to who capitalizes first and who is able to take advantages of any opportunities that arise.

Chris Weidman has been branded lucky twice against Anderson Silva, despite winning all four rounds in which they fought one another. Nonetheless, Weidman brushes aside the seemingly derogatory context in which some people put on the word "luck" with regards to him. He has his own definition for luck and is happy to be called lucky within that context. It's a great tool anyone can use. The meaning of words and things people say about your is up to you. Reality is subjective and you place meaning upon it.

Lyoto Machida eyeing Chris Weidman or Vitor Belfort's UFC title in 2014

Lyoto Machida was the juggernaut who lit up the light-heavyweight class at one time and worked his way to becoming the UFC champion in that weight class. He's looking to transfer those skills to 185 and come out with another belt in 2014. First up for him is Gegard Mousasi, which is very challenging test. Should he get past him, he will be looking for a title shot against the winner of the Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort in mid 2014.

Part of Machida's success is his positive mindset and mental approach to fighting. He is extremely goal oriented and has re-invigorated his career at middleweight with a big knockout over Mark Munoz in his 185 pound debut. He was dejected after losing a close decision to Phil Davis, and not getting a title shot against Jon Jones, when it was expected he had it in the bag. Nonetheless, Machida has persevered. Just two and a half months after losing to Davis, he scored the big KO over Munoz and is possibly just a win away from getting a chance to win two belts in two different weight classes. He has his his eye on nothing but gold this year as he is a big dreamer with big goals.

Bernard Hopkins quotes

Bernard Hopkins quotes. Inspirational words from the legendary boxer.

Anderson Silva will make a comeback to fighting

 

Anderson Silva says that he wants to come back to fight, assuring his training and friend, Pedro Rizzo, that he will be back. Despite the horrific leg breaking injury he sustained in his rematch with Chris Weidman at UFC 168, Silva is confident in his return. This ordeal falls in line with his viewpoint that champions are defined through tough times, as opposed to the easy ones.

More Anderson Silva quotes.

Rashad Evans and Chris Weidman similarities (Psychology Degree and more)

Rashad Evans and Chris Weidman are quite similar in there respective careers. While Weidman is a middleweight and Evans a light-heavyweight, they have a lot in common.

Firstly they are both amateur wrestlers and both have admitted in the past they felt a little bit empty for not giving their 100% in their amateur wrestling career. That feeling of not leaving everything on the mat compelled them to become extremely hard workers.

Interestingly enough, both Evans and Weidman went on to earn degrees in Psychology. This knowledge of the human mind has allowed them to channel the right mindset to achieve peak performance and win. Weidman on the road to becoming the UFC champion, and defeating Anderson Silva twice, knew what he needed to do to be mentally ready to fight a mythical legend in Silva. He knew he had to not put him on a pedestal, mentally be ready for anything, and incessantly visualize success. He talks about really getting into the visualization of being champion and make it so real that it becomes every day life.

Evans also has a very strong mental game, which has been elevated through his psyche studies. He often speaks of visualization and how is has helped him in the cage, as well as the repetition affirmations. He uses visualization and affirmations so intensely that the become deep convictions, which allow him to achieve success and become a UFC champion.

Joe Rogan on his biggest accomplishment

Q&A with Mike Swick; talks Thailand, inspiring people, returning to MMA in 2014

What have you learned from living in Thailand and creating AKA Thailand there?

I have learned a great deal about business, especially doing business in a foreign country. Its been a challenging but exciting venture that has kept me interested and eager the whole way through. Finally we are finishing up construction to open next month! 

What are the Thai people like and how has living in Thailand changed your perspective on life?

The Thai people in general are very friendly. It has been a great experience living in Phuket, as its one of my favorite spots on earth. Very beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. 

When can we see you fight again in the UFC?

I am going to return in 2014 if all goes as planned with my health. Still dealing with my esophageal issue and a couple injuries, so I have just been focused on getting better and building this gym.

What are some of the big lessons you've learned through being a part of MMA that carry over into life outside the cage?

One of the biggest lessons is the belief in hard work, sacrifice and perseverance. I believe almost anything can be obtained through hard work and sacrifice. I swear by it and always have. You also have to ride the storm out when things are not so good. I have been at many crossroads in my MMA career and during this project where I thought things could be over. Sometimes I couldn't even come up with how they could recover, but I just keep pushing forward, sometimes blindly. In the end, things just seem to work out and there is always a reward to grab for that commitment. 

What inspires you?

Success. Seeing success and hearing about success. Success cannot be given or bought. You gotta earn it and thats what makes it so rare but rewarding.

What is the most fulfilling part of being a mixed martial artist?

Impacting people. Its really awesome to hear stories about people who are true fans and look to fighters for inspiration. Going through my medical problems, I have been in contact with many people like myself. I helped a lot of them and that feels great. I think success is measured by how many people you can touch, inspire and change. Not by how much money you can make or how many cars you drive.

Do you feel there's a difference between being a fighter and a martial artist and what do you consider yourself to be?

I think there is a difference between a fighter and a martial artist. I feel I am both. I started out as a fighter and became a martial artist. A fighter is a person who will fight for what he wants. Someone who will not take no for an answer and will pick himself up no matter how many times he falls. When you can take that guy and train him in martial arts, he can become a great mixed martial artist.

What's next for you in 2014?

2014 is hopefully going to be a big year for me. I am looking to launch a super gym that is like nothing ever created before. Three acres of first class facilities catering to fitness and fighting, right in the heart of one of the most beautiful islands in the world. I want to create the worlds largest and most complete fight camp ever. If that sounds kind of ambitious, hang out with me for a day and you will think this is just small talk. (smiles)

Ronda Rousey: I need to keep finding ways to challenge myself

 

Ronda Rousey on setting the bar higher and higher for herself on a daily basis:

I don't do this for a living to do things that are easy, I need to keep finding ways to challenge myself.

Vitor Belfort: Don't be a thermometer, be a thermostat

Uriah Hall on learning from defeat and gaining from loss

Uriah Hall is able to take seemingly negative situations and see a creative opportunity in them:

Chris Weidman on the psychology of doubt and faith

Chris Weidman's psychology degree comes in handy for him in MMA. He has a very strong mental game and knows how to mentally get in the right state for peak performance and victory:  

You always have doubts that crawl up into your mind...I think one of the biggest parts of having a winner's mindset is to be able to deal with those doubts. Erase them out of your mind.