In the most anticipated match of the year, Chris Weidman will look to solidify his spot as the Middleweight champion in a rematch against the division’s former king Anderson Silva at UFC 168. Weidman made history back in July with a second round KO of Silva that shocked viewers. As expected, the UFC immediately booked the rematch that will take place on December 28.
At an Nevada State Athletic Commission hearing on Monday, the commission confirmed that highly-touted referee Herb Dean will be the official in the Octagon when the two meet again. Dean was the referee for the first match as well and stopped the fight as Weidman was bouncing Silva’s head against the mat.
NSAC director Keith Kizer explained the decision to have the same official for both fights (via MMA Junkie):
“The first fight was quite strange, and I normally don’t recommend the same ref for the rematch, but here, I think it would actually be very appropriate,” NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer today told the commission, which approved his recommendation.
UFC 168 will be the final PPV of the year and will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV.