Weidman Announces Return To Middleweight Division
It only took one fight at light heavyweight for Chris Weidman to realize there’s no place like home.
The former UFC Middleweight Champion announced on social media he is returning to the 185-pound division. “The All-American” lost his only bout in the light heavyweight division against recent contender Dominick Reyes back in October via KO. It only took one round for Reyes to take down Weidman (14-5) in Boston.
“I’ve been through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in my fight career. I really love what I do, and I believe I still have some great moments ahead of me! Can’t wait to shut up all the haters! To all the people that have supported me through the ups and the downs, I appreciate it more than you know,” Weidman stated on Instagram. “I am more motivated than ever and I know the future is bright. Hopefully getting a fight booked around April back in the MW division! #Blessed”
Following an impressive nine-fight win streak to start his career, five of those coming in the UFC, Weidman was granted a bout against then-Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva at UFC 162. In what is considered one of the greatest moments in UFC history, Weidman knocked out Silva in the second round. The Serra-Longo Fight Team member proved it wasn’t a fluke when he beat Silva in a rematch via TKO at UFC 168.
After defending the title two more times, against Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort, Weidman was knocked out cold by Luke Rockhold at UFC 194 in 2015. Since then, Weidman has gone 1-3 against a Murders’ Row of middleweights. He lost to Yoel Romero following a flying knee at UFC 205 and lost to Gegard Mousasi via a controversial TKO at UFC 210. The Baldwin native had a comeback win against Kelvin Gastelum in his backyard of Long Island back in 2017 before getting knocked out by Ronaldo Souza at UFC 230 in 2018.
Between controversial scoring and injuries, the road back to prosperity has been a bumpy one for Weidman. Now, he is hoping to return sometime in April, with an opponent to be determined. UFC 249 takes place inside the Barclays Center on April 18.