Former champion Chris Weidman moving back to middleweight
Chris Weidman is once again a middleweight.
Weidman reigned over the middleweight division from July 2013 until the end of 2015 when he suffered a TKO loss to Luke Rockhold to lose his title. He defended his title three times but since the loss to Rockhold has gone 1-4 in his last five, including being knocked out all four fights.
His lone win came by submission over Kelvin Gastelum and was even dropped in the fight. Many thought his chin could no longer handle the power and the depletion of the weight cut. So, at UFC Boston, in the main event, he made his light heavyweight debut where he took on Dominick Reyes. But, he got caught early and was knocked out in the first round.
Following the loss, many thought retirement could be an option. But the former champ took to Instagram to announce his move to middleweight.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8RmvbVgjAs/
“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,” Chris Weidman’s statement began. “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”
When he will return to the Octagon is to be seen. But, he is looking at April and there UFC 249 in Brooklyn, New York where he could fight in his home state once again. Who Chris Weidman will fight is also unknown but the former champ is no longer ranked. So he may have to fight someone lower in the rankings like Brad Tavares or Ian Heinisch, who are both coming off losses.
