Former UFC Middleweight Champion, Chris Weidman, remains optimistic about reclaiming his championship title, despite facing immense challenges in recent years. The 38-year-old fighter was forced to take a two-year hiatus after suffering a brutal leg break during his fight against Uriah Hall at UFC 261 in 2021.
Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, Weidman is now on the road to recovery and is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Octagon in June. The determined fighter has been training hard to ensure he is fully prepared for his comeback and is eager to launch another title run as soon as possible.
Weidman’s unwavering spirit and relentless determination have made him a fan favorite among MMA fans, and his return to the cage is sure to be highly anticipated by fight enthusiasts across the country. With his focus set firmly on reclaiming his championship title, the former middleweight titleholder is ready to give it his all and prove that he’s still got what it takes to be a champion.
Chris Weidman talks about the difficult recovery after breaking his leg nearly two years ago.
“This has been very unique with the way it’s tested me mentally and physically, because it’s been very hard.”
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“I’m not coming back to be a B-rated fighter or a gatekeeper or anything like that,” Weidman said on The MMA Hour. “I went through all this hell not to just comeback and be like that. I’m going to come back and try to get back what is mine, try and get that belt.
“After analyzing these guys and watching the middleweight division these last two years, with everyone at the top of the division, I don’t think there’s any reason why I can’t beat those guys. I’m excited to work my way up and get there soon.”
Weidman understands reclaiming the UFC championship will be a challenging feat, especially since he has gone 2-5 since losing the belt to Luke Rockhold in 2015. However, he remains optimistic and confident in his abilities, believing that he has many favorable matches at the top of the division.
“I think my skill set matches up really great with the top guys, and I’m excited to get there, and yeah, I think there’s a road to that,” Weidman explained. “I beat someone in the top 15, then fight someone in the top 5, and I’m there.
“I have a lot of work to do, and I’m excited for the challenge. I’m not putting myself through this crap just to come back and like fight some guys that I know I can beat or have a big name fight. I’m trying to shock the world again. There’s not going to be too many people that are thinking I can come back, and that excites me. It puts a chip on my shoulder.”