Former Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2026
UFC President and CEO Dana White announced the induction during the UFC 328 broadcast, citing Weidman's career achievements alongside fellow inductees Demetrious Johnson and Dominick Cruz.
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman has been officially named an inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame for the class of 2026. The announcement was confirmed by UFC President and CEO Dana White during the broadcast of UFC 328, marking Weidman's entry into the organisation's "modern wing".
White highlighted Weidman's specific victories over Anderson Silva as the defining achievements of his career, stating that these contests changed the landscape of the middleweight division forever. The press release from the organisation described Weidman as one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history, noting his consistent competition against the world's best athletes.
Weidman's path to the hall began with a UFC debut in March 2011, following four professional mixed martial arts bouts. He brought a collegiate All-American wrestling pedigree to the Octagon, having competed at Nassau Community College before transferring to Hofstra. His UFC career officially commenced with five victories, leading to a title shot against the long-reigning champion Anderson Silva in 2013.
Entering the bout as a significant underdog, Weidman secured a stoppage win by clipping Silva on the chin during the champion's trademark stylistic defence. This victory broke Silva's record of ten consecutive title defenses and earned Weidman the middleweight championship. He successfully defended the title in a rematch in 2014, where Silva suffered a leg break, and also defended against Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort.
The reign ended in 2015 when Weidman lost the championship to Luke Rockhold via TKO. Since that loss, his record within the organisation has stood at 3-8. His official UFC record is now 18-6, with 14 wins in the UFC. Notably, Weidman suffered a leg break against Uriah Hall in 2021, an injury that echoed the manner in which he defeated Silva in their rematch.
Joining Weidman in the 2026 class are fighters Demetrious Johnson and Dominick Cruz, as well as the historic bout between Zhang Weili and Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Thomas Gerbasi, the UFC writer and editorial director, is also among this year's inductees. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place this summer.
