Ever wonder what it’s really like being married to someone who gets punched for a living?
Marivi Weidman knows this reality better than most. She’s been watching her husband Chris Weidman fight in the octagon for over a decade, and it’s not as glamorous as it looks on TV.
MMA families are built different. While most couples worry about work stress or paying bills, Marivi spends her nights watching the love of her life take hits to the face. She’s been doing it with grace since 2009.
You’re about to discover how a young woman from New York transformed from a quiet accounting student into the backbone of one of UFC’s most beloved families. This isn’t another “fighter’s wife” story – it’s about sacrifice, strength, and what happens when love meets professional fighting.
Marivi Weidman Quick Bio/Wiki
| Attributes | Details |
| Full Name | Marivi Caban Weidman |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1986 |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | New York, USA |
| Heritage | Hawaiian-American |
| Education | Hofstra University (Degree in Accounting) |
| Profession | Former Accountant, CPA (support role in family business & UFC management) |
| Spouse | Chris Weidman (UFC Fighter, married since 2009) |
| Children | 4 – Cassidy, Christopher Jr. (CJ), Colten, Civanna Faith Anela (adopted) |
| Notable For | Supportive role in Chris Weidman’s MMA career, motherhood, adoption advocacy |
| Current Residence | South Carolina, USA |
| Faith | Christian (publicly shares faith on social media) |
| @mariviweidman (10.4K+ followers) |
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Marivi Weidman wasn’t born into the fighting world – she came from humble beginnings in New York with deep Hawaiian roots.
Born Marivi Caban on October 18, 1986, she grew up as a New York native with a rich cultural background. Her parents hailed from the Islands of Hawaii, giving her that blend of East Coast grit and island spirit. You can still see hints of her Hawaiian heritage in her family’s values and the names she chose for her children.
Education was huge in the Caban household. Marivi attended Baldwin Senior High School where she was a regular teenager – no clue that she’d one day be ringside watching her future husband compete for UFC gold. She was focused on her studies, planning a stable career path that would take her to Hofstra University. (SportsKeeda)
At Hofstra, Marivi dove into accounting. This decision would become the financial backbone that supported Chris Weidman’s early MMA dreams. Sometimes the most practical choices end up being the most important ones.
Marivi Weidman Love Story: From Childhood to Marriage
Marivi and Chris first crossed paths during their teenage years on Long Island, New York. They met through Marivi’s brother, who happened to be Chris’s best friend and wrestling teammate.
Their first date story has become legendary in MMA circles. Young Chris was waiting in Marivi’s room while she was in the shower, and nature called. Instead of asking where the bathroom was, he decided to use a small garbage can in her room. (EssentiallySports)
When Marivi came out and discovered what happened, she looked him dead in the eye and asked, “Did you just shit in my garbage can?!” Most girls would’ve kicked him out right then. But Marivi? She’s been with him ever since. Now that’s what I call true love.
They officially tied the knot in 2009, turning their teenage love story into a marriage that’s lasted over 15 years. Their proposal at Waikiki Beach happened 17 years ago, and Marivi still gets emotional thinking about that full-circle moment when they returned with their kids.
Professional Career and Financial Sacrifice
Marivi’s story gets really compelling when you understand she didn’t just support Chris’s dreams with words.
Back in the early days, Chris was making $15,000 as a wrestling coach at Hofstra University. Meanwhile, Marivi was working full-time as an accountant, grinding through her CPA exam preparation, and pregnant with their first child.
She was studying for one of the hardest professional exams, working a demanding job, growing a human inside her, AND supporting her husband’s dream to become a professional fighter. Most people would crack under that pressure.
Marivi made Chris a deal that’s become UFC folklore: “If you can find a way to supplement the income from Hofstra, I’ll let you do it. But if you come home with one black eye, it’s over. You’re not doing that anymore.” Smart woman – she knew the risks but was willing to take the leap if he could prove it was viable. (NYDailyNews)
The financial supporter role wasn’t easy. Marivi literally kept the lights on while Chris chased his fighting dreams. Her accounting background meant she could manage their tight budget and make every dollar stretch.
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Marivi Weidman Family Life and Motherhood
The Weidman family isn’t your typical household, and Marivi has mastered the art of balancing chaos with love.
Four kids, one MMA career, and a mom who keeps it all together – that’s the Weidman reality. Cassidy Weidman is their eldest daughter, followed by CJ Weidman (Christopher Jr.) and Colten Weidman. Their youngest, Civanna Faith Anela, joined the family through adoption, and her Hawaiian name means “Angel.”
Marivi’s approach to parenting in MMA family is refreshingly honest. She doesn’t sugarcoat what daddy does for work, but she also doesn’t let the violence define their home life. Her Instagram posts show a woman who’s figured out how to be both a fierce protector and a nurturing mother.
The adoption story of their fourth child revealed Marivi’s heart beautifully. She posted about welcoming “the sweetest angel” to their family and expressed gratitude to the birth mother “for choosing life and US for our baby girl.” This wasn’t about expanding their family – it was about Marivi’s belief that love makes a family, not biology.
Christian parenting plays a huge role in their household. Marivi’s faith isn’t for show – it’s the foundation that keeps their family grounded when Chris’s career gets intense.
Overcoming Major Challenges
Life threw serious curveballs at the Weidman family, but Marivi proved she’s tougher than any opponent Chris ever faced.
Hurricane Sandy and Community Response
2012 was a nightmare year for Long Island residents, and the Weidmans got hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. Their home suffered severe damage with chest-deep water flooding parts of their house.
Most families would focus solely on their own recovery, but not Marivi. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, she and Chris organized community relief efforts for families who were hit even harder. They set up food and clothing drives, proving that resilience isn’t about bouncing back – it’s about lifting others up while you’re down.
The Devastating UFC 261 Injury
Nothing could have prepared Marivi for what happened at UFC 261 against Uriah Hall. Chris’s leg injury was so gruesome that even seasoned MMA fans had to look away. But Marivi couldn’t look away – she was watching the love of her life suffer one of the most horrific injuries in UFC history.
Her Instagram post after the fight revealed her emotional strength: “My heart breaks for my husband because I know the work and dedication that he puts into his training everyday.” She didn’t just survive that night – she became the rock that Chris needed during his recovery.
Financial Struggles and Career Transitions
The early years weren’t just tough – they were financially brutal. Chris making $15,000 as a wrestling coach meant Marivi was essentially the primary breadwinner. She was working full-time, studying for her CPA, and pregnant with Cassidy. (Heavy)
Chris later admitted feeling selfish about pursuing his dreams while Marivi carried such a heavy load. “I was kind of trying to live my dream, so I felt very selfish. She was very supportive,” he told Ariel Helwani in an emotional interview.
Marivi Weidman Role in Chris’s UFC Career
Marivi wasn’t a spectator in Chris’s UFC journey – she was the strategic mastermind behind the scenes.
Her ultimatum about the black eye wasn’t about safety – it was about setting boundaries that protected their family while allowing Chris to pursue his passion. She understood that MMA was dangerous, but she also believed in his potential.
When Chris started gaining momentum in the UFC, Marivi handled the business side of things. Her accounting background meant she could negotiate contracts, manage finances, and make sure they weren’t getting ripped off.
Marivi’s presence at UFC weigh-ins and fights provided Chris with emotional stability. He’s mentioned multiple times how seeing her in the crowd gives him strength. But it’s not easy for her – she’s posted about how fighting lifestyle impact makes watching “not fun to watch at all.”
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Current Life and Social Media Presence
Marivi’s Instagram game is refreshingly real in a world full of fake highlight reels.
With 10.4K followers and over 2,156 posts, her social media presence gives fans a genuine glimpse into UFC family life. She’s not trying to be an influencer – she’s sharing her reality as a wife, mother, and woman of faith.
Her Instagram bio tells the whole story in a few emojis: “I am redeemed ✝️• CW 💍•👧🏻👦🏻👦🏼👧🏼”. Faith, marriage, and four kids – that’s Marivi’s world in a nutshell.
The family updates on social media show both the glamorous and mundane sides of their life. One day she’s posting about UFC events, the next she’s sharing a regular mom moment with the kids. This authenticity is why people connect with her.
Marivi uses her platform to share her Christian faith without being preachy. Her posts often include “thank you Lord!” and other expressions of gratitude.
Marivi Weidman Relationship Milestones and Celebrations
The Weidman love story keeps getting better with age, and Marivi makes sure to celebrate every milestone.
Their 16th wedding anniversary post showed a couple who still enjoys each other’s company after all these years. Marivi shared how they spent the day “clay shooting” and enjoying “a yummy dinner” – simple pleasures that matter more than fancy celebrations.
Marivi doesn’t just post about the big moments – she celebrates the small ones too. Mother’s Day posts reveal her gratitude for her children: “For these children, I have prayed and hoped and wished for and I continue to do so everyday.”
Legacy and Impact
Marivi Weidman represents something bigger than being a UFC champion’s wife – she’s redefined what it means to be a support system.
Her story challenges the typical “woman behind the man” narrative. Marivi wasn’t supporting Chris’s dreams – she was actively building their family’s future while he chased his. She made strategic decisions, managed finances, and created stability that allowed his career to flourish.
The impact of her approach extends beyond their family. Other MMA spouses look to Marivi as an example of how to balance supporting a fighter’s career with maintaining your own identity.
Her advocacy for adoption through their family’s story has touched countless lives. By sharing their journey with Civanna Faith Anela, Marivi has helped normalize adoption and shown the beauty of expanding families through love rather than biology.
The community service aspect of their story, from Hurricane Sandy relief to ongoing charity work, shows how Marivi uses their platform for good. She understands that with visibility comes responsibility to help others.
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Conclusion
Marivi Weidman didn’t set out to become a role model for MMA families – she wanted to build a life with the man she loved.
What started as a teenager dealing with an embarrassing first date has evolved into a partnership that’s weathered professional fighting, natural disasters, devastating injuries, and the pressure of public life. Marivi has shown that true strength isn’t about throwing punches – it’s about showing up every day for the people you love.
Her journey from accounting student to UFC champion’s wife isn’t a love story – it’s a master class in resilience, faith, and family values. She’s proven that you can support someone’s dreams without sacrificing your own identity.
Marivi continues to share her story through social media, giving fans a real glimpse into life beyond the octagon. Her honesty about the challenges, her celebration of the victories, and her unwavering faith provide inspiration for anyone trying to balance love, career, and family.
The Weidman family story is still being written, but Marivi’s legacy is already clear: she’s shown that behind every great fighter is a great woman – not cheering from the sidelines, but building the foundation that makes greatness possible.
FAQ’s About Marivi Weidman
Q: How did Marivi and Chris Weidman meet?
They met through Marivi’s brother, who was Chris’s best friend and wrestling teammate during their teenage years on Long Island.
Q: What was Marivi’s profession before Chris became famous?
Marivi worked as an accountant and was pursuing her CPA certification while supporting Chris’s early MMA career transition.
Q: How many children do the Weidmans have?
They have four children: Cassidy, CJ (Christopher Jr.), Colten, and Civanna Faith Anela, who joined the family through adoption.
Q: What happened during Hurricane Sandy?
Their Long Island home was severely damaged with chest-deep water flooding, but they organized community relief efforts for other affected families.
Q: How does Marivi handle watching Chris fight?
She’s admitted it’s “not fun to watch at all” and has said watching him fight is emotionally difficult, especially after his devastating UFC 261 injury.
Q: What role does faith play in their family?
Christian faith is central to their family values, with Marivi regularly sharing prayers and gratitude on social media while focusing on “breaking generational chains.”
Q: Where does the Weidman family live now?
They moved from New York to South Carolina in summer 2020, relocating to support Chris’s career needs while maintaining their close family bonds.
John Smith is a sports writer at Sportszill.com with over 5 years of experience covering professional athletics. He specializes in player profiles and sports news across NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other major leagues. John holds a degree in Sports Journalism and has written for multiple sports publications. He is passionate about bringing fans closer to their favorite athletes through accurate reporting and engaging storytelling.
