In the UFC's big New Year's Eve event, Chris Weidman will have a chance to solidify his position atop the Middleweight division when he rematches the division's former king Anderson Silva. Following their first bout at UFC 162, many blamed Silva's in-fight antics for getting him KO'd in the second round by "The All American".

In the face of that criticism, many are expecting Silva to drop the showboating and taunting from his strategy in favor of a more standard Muay Thai style without the flourish. However, Weidman told MMA Junkie that he doesn't expect such drastic change from Silva at UFC 168:

"He wouldn't be so good just putting his hands up and looking like a typical Thai boxer," Weidman said. "You know what the guy is going to do more if he's doing that. He likes to come from different angles from his hands down. Trust me, he's not coming in like you think he's going to be coming in." "People say that he's going to get pissed off, and it's going to be this whole new Anderson Silva – it's going to be easier," Weidman said. "I'm very happy with the situation, and it's exactly where I thought I was going to be, and it's time to prove myself again on (Dec.) 28, so I'm excited."

Despite having been knocked unconscious by Weidman in their last meeting, Silva remains a slight favorite heading into the rematch. In probably the most anticipated fight of the year, the two will headline UFC 168 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The co-main event will feature women's Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey defending her title against challenge Miesha Tate in a rematch of their own.