Weidman stops Belfort in first round at UFC 187

Chris Weidman stopped Vitor Belfort in the first round with a relentless series of punches on the ground Saturday night, defending his middleweight title at UFC 187. Weidman (13-0) survived an early scare from Belfort and quickly took control of his third title defense, taking down Belfort and battering his head against the canvas until referee Herb Dean stopped the bout with 2:07 left. The 38-year-old Belfort (24-11) briefly appeared to get Weidman in trouble, backing him against the cage while Weidman covered up. But Weidman landed a takedown and took control, mounting Belfort and battering him. Also, Daniel Cormier beat Anthony “Rumble” Johnson with a rear naked choke in the third round, winning the vacant light heavyweight title

Associated Press