Hello and welcome to the first edition of “Peter’s Playbook”! A blog where I will discuss many topics and give my own point of view on many different sports related events, stories, and happenings. Check back often to check out a new topic and be sure to share your own thoughts and opinions.



One of the biggest stories that I have followed as of late is the de-throning of the pound for pound master of the universe, Anderson Silva, from the left hook of up and comer Chris Weidman at UFC 162. If you’re not a fan of mixed martial arts (MMA), do yourself a favor and run out and buy some old “UFC” and “Pride Fighting Championship” DVD’s. These guys are the most conditioned pro athletes you could ever see. They routinely cut 20-30 lbs just weeks before their fights and most have the heart of a fisherman looking for Moby Dick.



Back to the point… Anderson Silva, aka The Spider, has dominated the UFC from his debut bout against future UFC hall of famer Chris “The Crippler” Leben way back in June of 2006. The Spider ran through 16 straight opponents including moving up in weight classes to win bouts at light heavyweight. His wins were not against bums either… and he stopped 14 opponents with just 2 of those 16 wins being by decision. His hit list includes wins over Dan Henderson, Vitor Belfort, Rich Franklin, and an unforgettable KO of recent UFC Hall Of Fame inductee, Forrest Griffin. In the past seven years Silva has undoubtedly proven that he is the best the world of MMA has ever seen. Then comes UFC 162. Silva is set to defend his Middleweight championship against undefeated up and comer Chris Weidman. Who???? That was my thoughts on the fight. I was predicting Silva would KO Weidman in 2 rounds. That he would have no problem humbling this kid and welcoming him to the big time against one of the, no THE, baddest man on the planet. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t give Chris a chance in this fight. There was no way he’d be able to withstand the striking of Silva.



Chris is a 29 year old with a psychology degree, fighting out of Garden City, New York. He was a 2 time NCAA D-1 wrestling all American so he had a wealth of knowledge for competition. Weidman’s trainer, former UFC welterweight Champ Matt Serra, knows a thing or 2 about upsets, having knocked out GSP a few years back to shock the world, so I’m sure Serra was telling Weidman the whole camp that this guy (Silva) can be beat!!! The night of UFC 162 came and sure enough, with Silva disrespecting Weidman by dropping his hands to his sides and weaving back and forth in front of him like The Matrix, Chris’s left hand connected with Silva’s chin and down went The Spider! Chris had shocked everyone, including himself Im sure and just captured the UFC Middleweight Championship from Anderson Silva!



Immediately the dirt sheets ran rampant, alledging that Silva had took a dive. How ridiculous!!! Silva simply got caught. He had been so elusive and most others had lost against him before they climbed in the cage, but Chris kept pressing him and somehow was able to keep his mental composure and Silva got knocked out. After the post fight presser, a rematch was already in the works and now we get to see it on December 28, 2013 at UFC 168 and to no surprise Silva is a -140 favorite. My opinion is that Weidman will once again squash The Spider and Silva, being 38 years of age, will begin his gimmick, super fight transition and then ride off into the sunset. There’s a new sheriff in town at Middleweight in the UFC and his name is CHRIS WEIDMAN.



Peter