Post-title reign
Due to the fact that the fight had been close until the wheel kick, and also because #1 contender Yoel Romero was facing a potential ban for a positive PED test, the UFC decided to book a rematch between Weidman and Rockhold at UFC 199 six months later.
Unfortunately, once again Weidman’s injury prone side came back to haunt him. This time he was forced out with a serious neck injury that would take surgery to fix up. He’d lost his chance to regain his title, but five months later, another exciting opportunity would emerge.
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New York state had finally legalised MMA and Weidman was booked on the UFC’s inaugural card against the returning Romero, with the winner likely receiving a title shot. Weidman was full of confidence coming in and physically looked better than he had against Rockhold.
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He won the first round handily, backing Romero up with his striking and even taking him down a couple of times, but after a strong start to the second, it appeared that the Cuban Olympic wrestler was taking over. Going into the third, it was clear that it was winner take all.
Weidman opened the third round with a hard body kick, but when he followed with a takedown attempt, Romero countered with a flying knee that knocked the former champion silly. Blood leaked from Weidman’s eye like a tap and he was left a broken, beaten mess.
We’re now four months removed from that fight, and Weidman is scheduled to face Gegard Mousasi next month at UFC 210, again in New York. Can he recover from his last two losses and return to form?
The future
Personally, I’m having a hard time betting against Weidman making a successful return. Despite his last two losses I’d still argue that – on paper at least – Weidman has no weaknesses. After all, the wheel kick was the pivotal moment in the Rockhold fight and who knows what could’ve happened had he not thrown it? And Romero is an athletic beast with the ability to finish anyone in a flash like he did to Weidman. Practically no other fighter is capable of such things.
Also read: 5 Most career-damaging fights in UFC history
For me it comes down to two things; whether Weidman’s head is fully in the game after losing his title and taking two shocking beatings, and also whether his body is holding up after years of injuries and weight cuts.
Dave Meltzer once said that the only thing stopping Cain Velasquez from being the greatest fighter of all time was his tendency to pick up injuries. Could the same be said for Chris Weidman? Only time will tell.
From the blue chip prospect to the champion and the conqueror of legends, Chris Weidman’s had a fascinating career thus far. After a beginning that saw a relatively straight – and steep – road to the top, he’s been swerving more and more recently. How many more twists and turns are to come?
Until next time....
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