No one would have expected to ever see Chris Weidman compete at a professional level after he literally snapped his leg in April 2021 at UFC 261 against Uriah Hall.
However, the former UFC middleweight champion has defied the odds. He made a return to combat sports against elite judoka Owen Livesey. The pair competed in a submission grappling match at Polaris 23 which streamed on UFC Fight Pass.
The All-American Chris Weidman makes his Polaris debut NOW!#Polaris23 is LIVE NOW on #UFCFIGHTPASS pic.twitter.com/oSkR2JoZtL
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) March 11, 2023
This was Weidman’s first appearance in any combat sport after almost two years on the sideline.
Weidman was quite impressive with his takedown attempts, but the veteran judoka earned the judges’ nod. Livesey won on scorecards as he clinched the contest by unanimous decision.
Amazing performance from both guys! 👏#Polaris23 Weidman vs Livesey 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 on #UFCFIGHTPASS pic.twitter.com/eqU8Op0iG9
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) March 11, 2023
In his post-fight speech, Weidman got emotional when it was his turn to hop on the mic.
“I just want to, first and foremost, thank God, man. These last two years have been the hardest years of my life. I don’t want to cry. I’m not gonna cry,” Weidman said as he held his tears back. “I wasn’t sure I was ever going to be able to compete again, in anything. So to be able to come out and put on a show for you guys, win or lose, is truly a dream.”
The former UFC title-holder also vowed to return to the UFC.
“All you haters that think I suck and I should retire, thanks for the motivation. Because I’m going to prove you guys wrong. I’m going to prove you guys wrong and get to a UFC fight.”