Chris Weidman defeats Omari Akhmedov at UFC Vegas 6.
Chris Weidman overcomes adversity; wants to fight again soon
Chris Weidman is back in the win column. On Saturday at UFC Vegas 6, Weidman got a win over Omari Akhmedov in the co-main event to get his first win since 2017.
“This is huge for me,” Weidman said at his post-fight press conference. “I think this was a big moment for me to come back to the middleweight division to go against a guy who is very tough, and to come out with a hard-fought victory. I think that puts me right back into the middleweight division where I want to be.”
Coming into Saturday’s fight, the former UFC middleweight champion was at an all time low in his career after losing five of his past six fights. While many thought Weidman should consider retirement, he never stopped believing in himself.
“I’ve been through so much damn adversity and had so much critique on me, from being the undefeated world champion to never really feeling like I was getting the love or respect I deserved when I was on top,” Weidman said. “And then finally getting knocked down and then everybody trying to kick me when I was down. To overcome that is a championship mindset and a big part of my pushing though and continuing to do what I do is to help inspire other people. Life isn’t going to turn out the way you want all the time.”
Weidman now wants to make a run toward the title. While it is a long road ahead of him, truth is he’s 2-1 in his past three middleweight fights. Now he wants to get back in the octagon and ride the momentum.
“I’m ready to move pretty damn quick here,” he said. “I’m healthy. I’m ready to make a statement. I feel like I’m renewed and I’ve got a fresh start here.”
