"Eye pokes are BACK" - Fans react to Chris Weidman being selected in GFL draft just days after announcing retirement during UFC broadcast

Chris Weidman's retirement decision, which he revealed during the UFC 311 broadcast, didn't last long. The former UFC middleweight champion has been selected as the seventh pick of the second round in the inaugural Global Fight League (GFL) draft.

Representing his home state, Weidman joins the New York team in this groundbreaking league. The GFL promises to reshape MMA with its team-based structure, fighter-centric model, and innovative weight classes. The league, set to launch in April 2025, drafted 120 fighters across six teams during its first-ever draft.

Tyron Woodley, former UFC welterweight champion, was chosen as the first overall pick by the Dubai team, while Junior dos Santos and Fabricio Werdum also secured top selections.

Weidman’s unexpected return to the spotlight has sparked widespread fan reactions, with some jokingly referencing his accidental eye pokes against Bruno Silva. Several fans took to X and wrote:

"Eye pokes are BACK."

"Maybe the idea was a retirement from an organization and not the sport."

"I'm so annoyed by this, people were actually happy that he was calling it a day.."

"Pretty sure he specifically said he’s done with the UFC, not MMA."

"If you watch the video he never said retire from MMA, just that he was done with the UFC."

"It wasn’t retirement he just wanted the bag lol."

Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Fans react to Chris Weidman's being selected in GFL draft. [Screenshots courtesy:@MikeBohn on X]

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United Fight League withdraws partnership with GFL

The Global Fight League (GFL) recently encountered a significant obstacle as the United Fight League (UFL) announced it will no longer collaborate with GFL or invest $10 million in the Phoenix-based franchise.

Initially, UFL CEO Harrison Rogers showed interest in partnering with GFL after meetings in early 2024. However, changes to GFL’s model and public confusion regarding UFL’s involvement prompted the withdrawal.

UFC issued a statement on X, which read:

"We think it’s impressive what the Global Fight League (GFL) is attempting to take on. It appears that GFL shares many of the same goals and aspirations for fighters and the beautiful sport of MMA as a whole. However, due to many online comparisons between GFL and the United Fight League (UFL), as well as confusion stemming from an article describing Harrison Rogers’’ involvement with a franchise within GFL, it’s important to clarify a few points."

"In early 2024, Harrison Rogers (CEO of UFL) and Darren Owens (Commissioner of GLF) met at UFL headquarters in Mesa, AZ. Darren presented an impressive vision for what GFL could become. Based on the model presented at the time, Harrison expressed interest in committing to a Phoenix franchise in GFL is everything transpired as discussed. Since then, it appears GFL has adjusted its model and plans for the future. We (Harrison Rogers and UFL) wish them the best of luck."

Check out the full statement below: