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Tag: Chris Weidman

  • Colby Covington Bests Chris Weidman, Will Face Arman Tsarukyan

    Colby Covington Bests Chris Weidman, Will Face Arman Tsarukyan

    Colby Covington may have recently retired from the UFC, but his run in the RAF continues successfully, defeating Chris Weidman in the RAF 09 co-main event.

    Following the matchup, Covington and Tsarukyan agreed to an RAF battle in the wrestling promotion’s July event in Milwaukee.

    Weidman scored first blood when using Covington’s momentum to score a throw, taking two points. A wild scramble sequence caused a review at the end of the first period, where the officials determined the score to be 4-2 in Weidman’s favor.

    Covington, however, battled right back. His cardio outlasted Weidman’s, with Covington scoring a takedown late in the second to tie the matchup. Weidman then gave up a point when put on the shot clock in the third, and he was unable to score a takedown, giving Covington the win.

    Following the matchup, Covington was given the opportunity to respond to Tsarukyan, who called Covington out following his win earlier in the night. The two agreed to their July bout.

    Covington made his RAF debut at RAF 05, defeating Lance Palmer. He then battled Dillon Danis at RAF 07, dominating in that matchup.

  • RAF 09 Results: Steveson vs. Romanov

    RAF 09 Results: Steveson vs. Romanov

    RAF 09 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The main event will feature the RAF debut of Gable Steveson as he takes on Alexandr Romanov. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Gable Steveson vs. Alexandr Romanov – Heavyweight Main Event

    Steveson won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and is a former multiple-time NCAA-Division I All-American and heavyweight champion from the University of Minnesota. Since then, Steveson has had an unsuccessful stint with the WWE and an unsuccessful tryout with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. He will make his UFC debut at UFC 329 in July.

    Romanov competed in the UFC from 2020 to 2024. He has since signed with the PFL, making it to the finals of last year’s Heavyweight World Yournament before losing to Oleg Popov. Romanov fought at PFL Chicago in April, submitting Rodrigo Nascimento. Romanov made his RAF debut at RAF 02, losing to Mason Parris.

    The co-main event will feature Colby Covington taking on Chris Weidman.

    Covington, who recently announced his UFC retirement, is 2-0 so far in RAF, defeating Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. Weidman, the soon-to-be UFC Hall of Famer, makes his RAF debut tonight. He last competed in the UFC at UFC 310, losing to Eryk Anders.

    How to Watch RAF 09

    • Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
    • Venue: College Park Center, Arlington, Texas
    • Streaming: FOX Nation (Exclusive)
    • Start Time: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    RAF 09 Results & Highlights

    Full Card Results (FOX Nation, 8 PM ET)

    Middleweight: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Keelon Jimison

    Result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Keelon Jimison via technical fall (16-5)

    Women’s Catchweight (125 lbs): Lucia Yepez vs. Cameron Guerin

    Result: Lucia Yepez def. Cameron Guerin via technical fall (10-0)

    Lightweight: Ridge Lovett vs. Bajrang Punia

    Result: Ridge Lovett def. Bajrang Punia via decision (13-8)

    Lightweight: Zain Rutherford vs. Antrell Taylor

    Result: Zain Rutherford def. Antrell Taylor via decision (8-0)

    Middleweight: Christopher Minto vs. Jason Nolf

    Result: Jason Nolf def. Christopher Minto via decision (8-5)

    Cruiserweight: Parker Keckeisen vs. Georgios Kougioumtsidis

    Result: Parker Keckeisen def. Georgious Kougioumtsidis via decision (10-5)

    Featherweight Championship: Ibragim Ilyasov vs. Real Woods

    Result: Real Woods def. Ibragim Ilyasov via fall (2:11)

    Lightweight: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Frankie Edgar

    Result: Merab Dvalishvili def. Frankie Edgar via technical fall (12-1)

    Light Heavyweight Championship: Kyle Snyder vs. Givi Matcharashvili

    Result: Kyle Snyder def. Givi Matcharashvili via technical fall (10-0)

    Catchweight (200 lbs): Colby Covington vs. Chris Weidman

    Result: Colby Covington def. Chris Weidman via decision (5-4)

    Heavyweight: Gable Steveson vs. Alexander Romanov

    Result: Gable Steveson def. Alexander Romanov via technical fall (10-0)

  • Chris Weidman Says Colby Covington Is In For A Rude Awakening At RAF 09

    Chris Weidman says Colby Covington is in for a rude awakening when they meet in the co-main event of RAF 09 on Saturday in Dallas, arguing that his wrestling credentials far exceed those of Covington’s previous opponents.

    Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, Weidman acknowledged Covington’s skills while making clear he sees himself as a significant step up in competition.

    “I watched his two matches that he had with Rockhold and Dillon Danis. He has a decent single leg. I think he’s tough. He was a great wrestler when he was competing, and I think he’s a goer, and I’m a goer, as well. I love putting a pace on and trying to get guys tired and break them. He’s tough. He’s 2-0. I will say I don’t think Dillon Danis and Luke Rockhold are on my level respectfully in terms of wrestling at all. So, I do think I’m a big step up in competition for him, and I appreciate him calling me out and wanting a tougher challenge.”

    Weidman said he does not concede any clear advantage to Covington, including speed.

    “I don’t know if I even give him the speed advantage. I think I’m pretty speedy when it comes to wrestling, but I’ll have to showcase that. His advantages? I don’t know. I don’t know what he’s planning on doing. I think it’s an uphill battle for him to be honest. It’s definitely a tough one. I just hope he doesn’t stall the whole time and run away from me. If he wrestles with me, I think it’s going to be really tough for him. I’m big, I’m strong, I’m good in a lot of different positions in wrestling. I have a lot of freestyle experience. I was a multiple-time All-American in freestyle and also Greco in high school, then I was training for the Olympics in 2008.”

    Weidman is making his RAF debut in the bout. Covington enters 2-0 in the promotion following wins over Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis.

  • Chris Weidman Stunned By UFC Hall Of Fame Honor After Career Highs And Lows – ‘I Was Completely Clueless’

    Chris Weidman never saw this moment coming.

    The former UFC middleweight champion is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, but the announcement caught him completely off guard.

    Known for one of the biggest upsets in MMA history when he dethroned Anderson Silva in 2013, Weidman’s legacy has long been debated due to the contrasting chapters of his career.

    That’s part of why the honor came as such a surprise.

    “It’s a huge honor – I was completely caught off guard with it,” Weidman said in an interview with MMA Junkie Radio. “Was not expecting it… I was completely clueless and it was an awesome surprise.”

    The reveal was orchestrated during UFC 328 in Newark, where “The All-American” was brought cageside under the pretense of a routine broadcast segment. Instead, he was met with a tribute video announcing his induction.

    Weidman’s early career run remains one of the most impressive in middleweight history. He began with 13 straight victories, including two wins over Silva, and successful title defenses against elite contenders like Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida.

    However, the latter part of his career told a different story. A series of losses after his championship reign left Weidman unsure if his accomplishments would ultimately be enough for Hall of Fame recognition.

    “After I had my first loss, I lost a lot,” he admitted. “Thank God they measure you from your prime… I’m glad I did some great things while I was young.”

    “The All-American” now joins a stacked 2026 class that includes Demetrious Johnson and Dominick Cruz, further cementing his place in UFC history.

  • Chris Weidman To Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame Class of 2026

    Chris Weidman To Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame Class of 2026

    Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, praised for his wrestling and responsible for one of the UFC’s biggest upsets, has been announced as the next inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.

    Weidman’s induction into the Hall’s 2026 class was announced during UFC 328.

    Chris Weidman Joins UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026

    Weidman was a standout wrestler at Hofstra University, earning the All-American status that served as the basis of his nickname. Weidman made his MMA debut in 2009, winning his first four bouts with Ring of Combat before joining the UFC.

    Weidman won five straight, including wins over Demian Maia and Mark Munoz, before challenging then-longtime reigning middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 163.

    At that event, Weidman produced one of the UFC’s most memorable moments, knocking out a taunting Silva in the second round to become the new champion. Weidman then won the UFC 168 rematch after Silva broke his leg during the second round.

    Weidman then defended the gold against Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida before losing to Luke Rockhold at UFC 194. Weidman would only win three more times in his MMA career.

    Weidman also suffered a nasty leg break, as Silva did before him, suffering the injury against Uriah Hall at UFC 261. He’d successfully come back two years later, showcasing a major display of heart and determination to compete again.

    Weidman’s last fight came at UFC 310, losing to Eryk Anders.

    Weidman joins a Hall of Fame Class of 2026 that also includes Thomas Gerbasi, Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk I, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, Dominick Cruz, and Forrest Griffin Community Service Award winner Alex Pereira.

  • Chris Weidman Sends Warning to Conor McGregor Ahead of Potential UFC Return

    Chris Weidman Sends Warning to Conor McGregor Ahead of Potential UFC Return

    Chris Weidman has a unique perspective on what Conor McGregor might face when he finally returns to the UFC, and it comes from deeply personal experience.

    Weidman suffered a broken leg against Uriah Hall in April 2021, just a few months before McGregor shattered his own leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 that July. The nature of both injuries gives Weidman credibility that few others have when speaking about what the comeback trail actually looks like after that kind of trauma.

    Speaking on UFC on Paramount’s YouTube channel, Weidman expressed confidence that McGregor will return, pointing to his presence in the drug-testing pool as a practical indicator. “He’s in the drug-testing pool. For you to come off of stuff, get back in that drug-testing pool, you’d better fight. Otherwise, you’re just going to feel worse than you used to feel for no reason. So, I think he fights, for sure.”

    But he also delivered a warning about what McGregor should expect when the moment arrives. “That was in 2021. He’s had enough time to recover, but I will say, your first time coming back — because I went through a very similar injury — it is hard to be the person you were beforehand, for sure.”

    Weidman recalled a specific moment from his own return that illustrated the psychological dimension of recovering from a leg fracture, describing an instinctive reaction that his body simply would not allow him to execute.

    “I remember in training camp, I was throwing kicks like crazy to try to get used to throwing kicks again. And I was fine in training, but when I got into the actual first fight since that leg injury, I was getting kicked, and as soon as I went to throw my kick back, I just couldn’t do it. My body wouldn’t let me do it. It’s just crazy when you go through a traumatic injury like that, how it can affect your head.”

    Ultimately, Weidman framed McGregor’s comeback as a mental challenge as much as a physical one, while expressing hope that the time away has given McGregor what he needs to succeed. “Listen, Conor’s really good. It’s all about his head; where’s his head at? It seems like, from the outside looking in, now he’s more in touch with his faith, and it seems like he’s getting life in order. That’s the type of thing I feel like he needed.”

    UFC CEO Dana White said over the weekend that McGregor’s return is looking good, with UFC 329 on July 11 the most frequently rumored destination for his comeback.

  • Gable Steveson Headlines RAF 09 Against UFC Heavyweight Veteran, Colby Covington Faces Chris Weidman In Co-Main Event

    Gable Steveson Headlines RAF 09 Against UFC Heavyweight Veteran, Colby Covington Faces Chris Weidman In Co-Main Event

    Real American Freestyle continues to build momentum with another stacked lineup, as RAF 09 promises a mix of elite wrestling pedigree and recognizable MMA names.

    Set to take place on May 30 at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, the event will be headlined by Gable Steveson’s highly anticipated debut.

    Gable Steveson Set For RAF Debut Against Alexandr Romanov

    The Olympic gold medalist is set to face Alexandr Romanov in his first appearance under the RAF banner. Steveson recently signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion as he continues to balance his transition into mixed martial arts while staying active in wrestling.

    At just 25 years old, Steveson has already generated significant buzz, not only for his decorated amateur background but also for his explosive start in combat sports. He currently holds a 3-0 record in professional MMA and also scored a 15-second knockout win over Billy Swanson at DBX 4 under hybrid rules.

    Meanwhile, Romanov brings significant experience into the matchup, holding a professional record of 21-4. During his time in the UFC, he went 7-3 inside the Octagon before parting ways with the promotion in 2024. He is also scheduled to face Rodrigo Nascimento this weekend at PFL Chicago.

    “King Kong” is no stranger to the RAF either, having made his promotional debut last October at RAF 2, where he suffered a decision loss to Mason Parris.

    Colby Covington vs. Chris Weidman Booked For RAF 09 Co-Main Event

    In the co-main event of RAF 09, Colby Covington will square off against former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman in what marks another high-profile matchup on the card.

    Covington enters the bout with momentum, having already picked up multiple wins under the RAF banner this year. “Chaos” picked a lopsided win over Dillon Danis at RAF 07 last month.

    Meanwhile, Weidman makes his promotional debut after stepping away from active UFC competition, bringing his own credentials as a former champion and accomplished wrestler.

  • Colby Covington Fires Off Challenge To Chris Weidman After One-Sided Win Over Dillon Danis At RAF 07

    Colby Covington Fires Off Challenge To Chris Weidman After One-Sided Win Over Dillon Danis At RAF 07

    Colby Covington showcased his wrestling superiority as he dominated Dillon Danis with a tech fall victory in the RAF 7 co-main event on Saturday.

    The former interim UFC welterweight champion got off to a sluggish start, allowing Danis to tie the first period 4-4. But Covington’s All-American wrestling background took over in the second period as he began systematically breaking down his opponent.

    “Chaos” secured a takedown to open the second period and immediately went to work turning Danis on the mat. The points began accumulating quickly as Covington executed snap downs and go-behinds to build his lead.

    The contest was stopped when Covington led 14-4, earning the tech fall victory. Danis looked disappointed in his performance but left the mats without incident following his unsuccessful RAF debut.

    Following his dominant performance, Covington immediately set his sights on another former UFC middleweight champion for his next RAF appearance.

    “I want Chris Weidman,” Covington shouted after the match. “Let’s find out who the real American is right here on the Real American Freestyle mats. Get off your couch, pack a lunch because it’s go time.”

    The victory marks Colby Covington’s second win in the wrestling promotion, having previously secured a technical fall over former UFC champion Luke Rockhold at RAF 05 earlier this year.

    The 38-year-old Californian last competed inside the Octagon at UFC Tampa in December 2024, where he suffered a TKO defeat to Joaquin Buckley. “Chaos” currently holds a 12-5 record in the UFC, with an overall professional tally of 17-5.

  • Chris Weidman teases possible return to MMA in the future

    Chris Weidman teases possible return to MMA in the future

    Former UFC world champion Chris Weidman has refused to rule out a return to mixed martial arts at some point in the future.

    As we know, Chris Weidman was once the best middleweight on the planet. His two victories over Anderson Silva, as strange as they may have been, cemented him in that spot – before he went on to successfully defend the championship multiple times.

    Now, there are multiple rumors when it comes to what Chris Weidman will do next, whether it be a boxing match against Silva or a run in the GFL, if it actually gets up and running again.

    In a recent interview, Weidman spoke candidly about the possibility of him heading back into the cage.

    Chris Weidman discusses MMA future

    “I can’t see MMA happening if I’m looking at the landscape of MMA right now outside of the UFC,” Weidman told MMA Fighting. “I don’t know if I’d be able to get paid the type of money I’d want to get paid to put my body through that again. It would have to be the right fighter, you know guys that I have history with like a Luke Rockhold or something like that.

    “It would have be really good money. I don’t know MMA is there right now at point to do something like that.”

    “I think boxing probably has the best chances of delivering those types of purses and stuff,” Weidman said. “MMA, listen if I get the right call with the right kind of money and the right opponent — I love the game, I love to compete. I’m still in the gym all the time. I love training. I think I’m still really good so why not?”

    Quotes via MMA Fighting

  • GFL Announces Plans For 2026 Start, Announces Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold

    GFL Announces Plans For 2026 Start, Announces Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold

    The Global Fight League is doing take two and has announced plans to restart operations in 2026.

    The GFL announced their intention to finally get events started through a statement on social media — the promotion’s first statement since the spring.

    “To the athletes, fans and partners, thank you for your patience and support. We’ve been hard at work and look forward to sharing what’s next,” the GLF’s statement said. “Stay tuned, more to come on our plans for 2026.”

    The GFL also announced a rematch between former UFC middleweight champions Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold, which the GFL also promoted through a social media post. No information about an event date or location has been revealed, however.

    GFL Planning To Resume Operations In 2026

    The GFL was formally launched in late 2024, intending to re-introduce the team-based format that was seen with the IFL in the mid-2000s. The plan was to have six teams be formed, based in London, Dubai, Sao Paulo, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York, with a points-based system and events held throughout the year at each of the various locations and a champion team crowned at the end of the year.

    The league promoted various different benefits from fighters not seen in other MMA promotions, including revenue share, retirement benefits, and insurance coverage.

    A draft was held in January but was blasted for promoting it as “live” after its results were leaked out. Plans were then for a pair of events to be held in Los Angeles in May before they were canceled and operations paused, with founder Darren Owen claiming a missed financial commitment from a key investor.

  • UFC Icons Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman Gearing Up for Long-Awaited Trilogy Fight

    UFC Icons Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman Gearing Up for Long-Awaited Trilogy Fight

    Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman are ready to run it back one more time.

    After competing twice under the UFC banner, the former world titleholders will complete their trilogy — this time in a boxing bout. No official announcement has been made, but according to a report from Main Event TV, Weidman spilled the tea while attending a wrestling tournament in Atlanta.

    “A credible source who spoke directly with Chris Weidman at a wrestling tournament in Atlanta last week confirmed to Maurits School (@MauritsSchool) that the trilogy fight with Anderson Silva is happening, and it will be under Boxing rules,” the outlet wrote in a post on Instagram.

    Weidman ended Silva’s 2,457-day reign as the undisputed middleweight champion in July 2013, knocking out ‘The Spider’ in the second round of their UFC 162 headliner. Five months later, they’d run it back at UFC 168. Weidman once again came out on top after Silva suffered a horrific leg break just 76 seconds into the contest.

    Silva returned from the injury 13 months later, but failed to find the same success he enjoyed during the previous seven years.

    Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman 3 comes eight years after the UFC tried to book the trilogy bout

    According to Weidman, the UFC attempted to book a threequel between the two in 2017, but being that it would have been a short-notice situation, ‘All-American’ respectfully declined.

    Weidman went on to successfully defend the 185-pound crown three times, adding wins over Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort before surrendering the strap to Luke Rockhold in December 2015. Weidman would only find the win column three more times over the next nine years, prompting him to retire from the UFC following a loss against Eryk Anders at UFC 310.

    While this would be Weidman’s first foray into boxing, Silva has already tested his mettle in the sweet science, amassing a 3-2 record with wins over Julio César Chávez Jr. and Tito Ortiz. Silva’s last boxing bout came in October 2022 against YouTube sensation Jake Paul.

  • Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold 2, Yoel Romero vs. ‘Shogun’ Rua Announced By Global Fight League

    Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold 2, Yoel Romero vs. ‘Shogun’ Rua Announced By Global Fight League

    A number of veterans have their first outings under the Global Fight League (GFL) banner confirmed, and the opening matchups include a rematch between former UFC middleweight champions Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold.

    After years of preparation, the GFL is set to stage events for the first time this coming April, as the promotion looks to succeed in the fight game with a team-based format and season structure. 15 cards are planned up until August, after which two playoff events and one final will take place before the year’s end. 

    Following the release of the six city teams, as well as a manager and head coach for each, 120 fighters were picked as part of the inaugural draft last month. And while little is known about dates and venues for the first events in April, the matchups have begun to roll out.

    The official GFL social media account announced the first fight on Thursday. As expected after Luke Rockhold was traded from Team Dubai to Team Los Angeles, the Californian will run it back with Team New York’s Weidman, a fellow former UFC middleweight champion.

    The pair first collided way back in 2015, with Rockhold emerging victorious from the Fight of the Night at UFC 194 after stopping the then-defending champ in round four.

    Rockhold, who was also the last 185-pound titleholder in Strikeforce, has competed just once in MMA since 2019. After consecutive knockout losses to Yoel Romero and Jan Błachowicz, the 40-year-old memorably bowed out of the UFC in defeat against Paulo Costa. He’s since gone 1-1 away from MMA, losing to Mike Perry in BKFC and stopping Joe Schilling under the Karate Combat banner.

    Weidman, meanwhile, initially appeared to announce his retirement from the sport last month but was quickly announced as the GFL’s latest big-name signing. The Baldwin native has had his hand raised once in three fights since returning from a broken leg. Weidman was most recently finished by Eryk Anders at UFC 309 last November.

    The rematch between Rockhold and Weidman wasn’t the only confirmed first-round matchup, with the GFL also revealing a clash between Team Miami’s Yoel Romero and Maurício “Shogun” Rua of Team São Paulo.

    The inclusion of Rua was among many that raised concerns in the MMA community. The 43-year-old looked a shadow of his former self when he was knocked out by Ihor Potieria in January 2023. Despite the retirement that followed that fight being widely supported, the former UFC and PRIDE standout now has Romero’s power to deal with.

    While four years older than Rua, the game doesn’t appear to have left “Soldier of God” as of yet. Since a loss in his Bellator debut, the Cuban has won three out of four fights in the cage, most recently defeating fellow former UFC title challenger Thiago Santos under the PFL banner last February.

  • Chris Weidman Would Have Retired In The Octagon If It Wasn’t For UFC’s Card Placement: ‘A Champion Being Put On The Prelims…’

    Chris Weidman Would Have Retired In The Octagon If It Wasn’t For UFC’s Card Placement: ‘A Champion Being Put On The Prelims…’

    Chris Weidman’s announcement that he has retired from the UFC was relatively low-key for a former champion. After competing 20 times in the Octagon, including three consecutive middleweight title defenses after he brought the legendary reign of Anderson Silva to an end, “The All-American” stated that he would no longer be fighting for the promotion during the weigh-in show ahead of UFC 311 earlier this month.

    Weidman debuted for the UFC back in 2011 and whilst his recent run has lead to people calling for him to retire, including Dana White himself, many would have expected this to come in his loss to Eryk Anders at UFC 310 in December. Rather than getting some time on the mic at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to say goodbye to the fans, a social media post was the final parting moment before the 40-year old was announced to be fighting for the GFL during the promotion’s draft last Friday.

    Weidman appeared on The Ariel Helwani show on January 28 to talk about his UFC departure and decision to sign with the GFL. He explained how he wanted to have a big send off in the cage but he didn’t want it to be on the prelims of the card which is where his rescheduled bout with Anders ended up taking place.

    “I kind of was thinking I would announce that I’m retiring and put down my gloves and it would be pretty cool. But honestly, the UFC, they’re like, ‘Chris, we’re going to put you on the prelims again. We can’t put you on main cards’. It kind of sucks to see. A champion like that being put on the prelims all the time. Like, what am I doing?”

    Despite having some regrets about the way that his UFC career came to an end, Weidman also stated that he understands why the main card slots would be offered to other fighters.

    “All these up-and-comers, guys who were in my position like I was years and years ago coming up, they gotta make new stars out of these guys. And these former champions like myself that are not doing great, losing fights…you go from riches to rags basically inside the UFC and it’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s just business.”

  • ‘Time To Hang Them Up’ – Fans React As Eryk Anders Overcomes Knockdown To Stop Chris Weidman At UFC 310

    ‘Time To Hang Them Up’ – Fans React As Eryk Anders Overcomes Knockdown To Stop Chris Weidman At UFC 310

    After the matchup was postponed on fight day at UFC 309 last month, Eryk Anders was able to score a win over former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman to close out the early preliminary portion of UFC 310.

    Anders got off to a strong start with his striking to start the opening round. After a brief timeout due to an illegal knee from “Ya Boi,” however, Weidman managed to score a knockdown and took control of the rest of the frame.

    But in the second stanza, Anders managed to outwork the former champ in his specialty area — grappling. The 37-year-old controlled the pace on top and delivered ground-and-pound that, while not powerful and ruthless, slowly drowned and overwhelmed Weidman over the course of the round before the fight was stopped in the closing seconds.

    MMA Fans React As Eryk Anders Finishes Chris Weidman With Ground-And-Pound

    The ex-middleweight kingpin has now lost two of three fights since returning last year from the devastating leg injury he suffered at UFC 261 in 2021.

    Anders, meanwhile, has now won three of his last four fights.

  • Chris Weidman Discusses Not Getting Full Pay After Opponent’s UFC 309 Fight-Day Withdrawal

    Chris Weidman Discusses Not Getting Full Pay After Opponent’s UFC 309 Fight-Day Withdrawal

    Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman was left devastated and a sizable chunk of cash down when an illness to Eryk Anders scuppered his plans of competing at Madison Square Garden earlier this month.

    At UFC 309, Weidman was set for his second assignment of 2024 and third since returning from a gruesome broken leg that had kept him out for two years. But his pursuit of a first win streak since 2015 will have to wait.

    After completing his training camp, fight-week obligations, and successfully making weight, Weidman awoke on Saturday, Nov. 16, expecting to make the walk on MMA’s biggest stage for the 20th time.

    But disaster struck just hours before his scheduled preliminary clash with Anders when a bout of food poisoning became too serious for the ex-American football linebacker to fight through.

    That left a devastated Weidman off the card on late notice, with the New York State Athletic Commission rejecting the UFC’s attempts to book a same-day replacement opponent.

    And worse still, it wasn’t just the chance to make it two wins on the bounce that the 40-year-old missed out on…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRQokTnU9YU

    During a recent appearance on Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Weidman explained that while he is expecting to be ‘taken care of’ in some way financially, he won’t be getting his full purse.

    The American admitted the situation is difficult to take, especially given his compensation would have already been set aside and is ultimately now being kept by the UFC.

    “My show money is my win money, I have guaranteed money,” Weidman said. “So that was my point, ‘I showed up, you guys had that on the budget sheet to begin with, you guys made a great night, why do you guys keep that money and I don’t?’ That was my thought.

    “Their thoughts were, ‘Listen, this happens on like 40 percent of the cards. If we pay people to not fight…’ They just want to be consistent on what they do in those situations,” Weidman continued. “That’s what I think they’ve decided to do consistently for their business.”

    The situation is similar to that of Stephen Thompson last year. He made public his disappointment at not being paid for his canceled fight with Michel Pereira at UFC 291, which fell through when the Brazilian missed weight after “Wonderboy” had already successfully got under the welterweight limit.

    Fortunately for Weidman, he won’t have to wait long to pick up a full check for sharing the cage with Anders. The pair’s clash has been rescheduled for UFC 310 in Las Vegas on Dec. 7, this time at a catchweight of 195 pounds.

  • Eryk Anders Reveals Reason For Fight-Day Cancellation Of UFC 309 Matchup With Chris Weidman

    Eryk Anders Reveals Reason For Fight-Day Cancellation Of UFC 309 Matchup With Chris Weidman

    Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman looked to finally break his run of bad luck in New York in his scheduled bout against Eryk Anders on the UFC 309 prelims this past weekend. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be following an announcement that happened during the broadcast of the early prelims at Madison Square Garden.

    Jon Anik stated once the card went live that Anders had been forced out of the fight due to a medical issue. As a result, the card continued with 12-bouts with Weidman releasing a video on social media to give his reaction to the news shortly after the fans found out.

    The day after the promotion’s return to Madison Square Garden, Anders also posted a video on social media where he explained why he was forced to withdraw on such short notice. Anders states that he was suffering from food poisoning throughout Saturday so couldn’t make the walk on fight night.

    Weidman was obviously looking forward to fighting in New York for what could have been the last time in his career but Anders was also incredibly disappointed to miss out on a huge opportunity for his career also. He secured a decision win over Jamie Pickett in March to return to the win column but beating Weidman would have been a big scalp for him.

    “Status update- got food poisoning Friday night and there was no way I would have been able to go out there and compete,” Anders wrote. “Super upset I didn’t get to compete at MSG against a former champ. I seriously doubt that opportunity will come around again, but it is what it is. Hopefully we can get that matchup rebooked ASAP. Thank you all for the messages of concern.”

  • Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders Canceled Due To Medical Issue Hours Before UFC 309 Clash

    Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders Canceled Due To Medical Issue Hours Before UFC 309 Clash

    Chris Weidman’s return to New York at UFC 309, which some anticipated to be a potential retirement fight, will now not take place.

    Just hours before he and Eryk Anders were scheduled to make the walk for their fight on the preliminary card at Madison Square Garden, Anders was forced out of the bout with a medical issue, per an announcement at the start of the early prelim broadcast.

    The reports of the fight’s cancelation were first reported on X by users @TheMMAFoo and @MagicM_MMABets.

    Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders Scrapped From UFC 309 At Last Minute

    This was to be Weidman’s first fight in New York since being knocked out by Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza at UFC 230.

    Weidman is 1-1 in his comeback from his horrific leg break against Uriah Hall at UFC 261. His retirement bout was not confirmed, but plenty of pundits and fans expected the former middleweight champion to potentially call time on his career after tonight’s bout.

    Anders, meanwhile, last fought in March, defeating Jamie Pickett.

    As a result of the cancellation, the preliminary card start time has been pushed back to 6:30pm ET.

  • Chris Weidman Doesn’t Plan On Ever Laying His Gloves Down Inside The Octagon

    Chris Weidman Doesn’t Plan On Ever Laying His Gloves Down Inside The Octagon

    At 40 years old, no one would have been surprised or complained if Chris Weidman made the decision to retire and step away from the UFC. The New York native has already achieved some great things in his career as a former middleweight champion.

    He’s also overcome some tough losses and in recent times, some devastating injuries that would have been the end for many fighters. Losing his return fight in August last year against Brad Tavares didn’t discourage him from continuing to compete.

    In his last fight, he returned to the win column and though it was a fight that carried a lot of controversy with it, Weidman did look good in the fight. Unfortunately, a lot of the praise for him was undone by the multiple eye pokes that Bruno Silva suffered which ultimately led to the fight being stopped and changed from a TKO to a decision verdict due to the injury.

    Weidman is now set to return to face Eryk Anders at UFC 309 and though his luck when fighting at Madison Square Garden has been less than ideal with two knockout losses, it would make a lot of sense to wrap things up in front of a home crowd at the world’s most famous arena.

    In an interview with MMA Fighting, the former champion revealed that is very unlikely to be the case on November 9. Instead, he’s choosing to take each fight as it comes and will decide whether or not he wants to continue after the fact rather than before or during his time in the Octagon.

    “Honestly, I’m still taking it fight by fight to see how I feel, to see how I perform. Right now in the gym my body, I feel good and I’m doing great in the gym but I’ve got to be able to perform under the lights. So that’s all just fight to fight at this point at my age and everything. We’ll see how I feel and we’ll just play it from there.

    “I’m pretty much taking it fight by fight, I’ll make my decision after the fight. I’m not planning on putting my gloves down or anything like that either win or lose. But I’m planning to just not make any rushed decisions. Right now, I still feel great. I’m excited. I love training. I love being in camps. I love just the whole discipline of it and how it keeps you on routine. It’s really addictive. I’m super competitive so it’s just like the ultimate best thing for me to be doing. But obviously you can’t do it forever. So that’s why I’ve got to take it fight by fight and kind of just weigh the pros and cons of everything and see where we’re at.”

  • What’s Next After UFC 308? Full Confirmed UFC 309 Main Card For MSG On Nov. 16

    What’s Next After UFC 308? Full Confirmed UFC 309 Main Card For MSG On Nov. 16

    UFC 308 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering, UFC 309 in New York City.

    The promotion was in Abu Dhabi last week, where the Etihad Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest major card in the Middle East. Of note were headline wins for Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev, as well as important victories for Magomed Ankalaev, Lerone Murphy, and Shara Magomedov.

    While the aftermath of the October 26 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the featherweight title picture to the heavyweight championship conversation.

    At UFC 309, set for the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16, reigning kingpin Jon Jones will compete for the first time this year in defense of his gold. Following a submission of Ciryl Gane to capture the crown, “Bones” will finally face the challenge of returning legend Stipe Miocic 20 months later.

    Stakes will also be high in the co-headliner, as former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira looks to bounce back from his UFC 300 loss. To insert himself back into the title picture at 155 pounds, “Do Bronx” must get the better of the always entertaining Michael Chandler for the second time.

    Nickal, Weidman, Silva Set The Stage For High-Profile Headliners At UFC 309

    Before Jones defends his belt and Oliveira runs it back with Chandler, a number of other notable names will take to the Octagon looking to make the most of their position on the major UFC 309 card.

    That includes fast-rising flyweight Karine Silva, who gets her toughest assignment to date opposite longtime contender Viviane Araújo. Having won all four of her UFC fights and risen to #11 on the ladder following a submission of Maryna Moroz and decision victory over Ariane Lipski, “Killer” will look to break into title contention at the expense of Araújo, who lost to Natália Silva last time out.

    Prior to that, the undefeated Bo Nickal gets his latest test. As he looks to build his skills up outside the rankings, the wrestling specialist will meet a submission artist who has previously held numbers next to his name at both 185 and 205 pounds in Scotland’s Paul Craig.

    And opening the UFC 309 main card will be a former champion as veteran Chris Weidman looks to secure his first win streak since he moved to 13-0 with a successful title defense against Vitor Belfort back in 2015. Following on from a controversial victory over Bruno Silva, the 40-year-old will make the walk inside MSG to do battle with ex-American football linebacker Eryk Anders.

    Those pairings have gotten the nod to feature on the main card over the light heavyweight clash between #6-ranked contender Nikita Krylov and the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov, which is currently slated to top the preliminary portion of the event.

    See below for the full UFC 309 card, as it stands.

    Main Card:

    • Light Heavyweight Championship Main Event: Jon Jones (C) vs. Stipe Miocic
    • Lightweight Co-Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
    • Women’s Flyweight: Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva
    • Middleweight: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
    • Middleweight: Eryk Anders vs. Chris Weidman

    Preliminary Card:

    • Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov
    • Bantamweight: Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
    • Lightweight: Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson

    Early Preliminary Card:

    • Welterweight: Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
    • Welterweight: Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott
    • Women’s Flyweight: Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
    UFC 309's Nikita Krylov
    Image: UFC.com
  • Chris Weidman Reacts As Former Opponent Bruno Silva Suspended For Violating UFC Anti-Doping Policy: ‘Very Interesting…’

    Chris Weidman Reacts As Former Opponent Bruno Silva Suspended For Violating UFC Anti-Doping Policy: ‘Very Interesting…’

    Middleweight Bruno Silva has been suspended from active competition, per an announcement from Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD), the anti-doping partner of the UFC.

    Silva, who last fought at UFC Fight Night Atlantic City in a loss to former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, has accepted a six-month ban from competition. Though Weidman got the win in New Jersey that night, he was severely unamused by Silva’s failure.

    And while no explanation has been given by Silva for the test failure, Weidman says he was told it could have been “microdosing anabolics.”

    Bruno Silva Suspended For Violating UFC Anti-Doping Policy, Chris Weidman Makes Accusation

    Weidman’s win in Atlantic City brought plenty of controversy in the fight’s finishing sequence. The American, it originally seemed, was able to force Silva to collapse to the mat and overwhelm him with ground-and-pound. It would have been Weidman’s first finish since his submission of Kelvin Gastelum in 2017.

    The state’s athletic commission, however, overturned the result to a unanimous technical decision upon seeing that Silva was poked in both eyes during the sequence.

    Weidman’s win over Silva was his first victory since defeating Omari Akhmedov in August 2020, as well as his first victory in his second fight since coming back from his broken leg.

    Silva’s suspension is retroactive to April 11, meaning he can return to competition beginning October 11.

  • Former UFC Champion Chris Weidman’s Next Fight Announced For Expected MSG Pay-Per-View

    Former UFC Champion Chris Weidman’s Next Fight Announced For Expected MSG Pay-Per-View

    Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman looks set for another fight close to home later this year when the promotion returns to Madison Square Garden.

    Weidman has gone 1-1 since making his comeback from a devastating leg break in 2023, most recently getting the better of Bruno Silva via a controversial TKO stoppage in the third round at the UFC Fight Night in Atlantic City, New Jersey, this past March.

    The New York native, who has not won consecutive fights since having his undefeated record blemished and title reign ended by Luke Rockhold in 2015, will look to make it two from two in 2024 in his home state.

    Iridium Sports Agency recently revealed on social media that one of its clients, former American football linebacker-turned-UFC middleweight Eryk Anders, is set to share the cage with Weidman on November 16.

    While unconfirmed, that date is expected to mark the organization’s return to Madison Square Garden for UFC 309.

    Weidman Targets First Win Streak Since 2015 At Anders’ Expense

    When they collide, Anders will be looking to stall the potential resurgence of an all-time great of the middleweight division.

    Weidman (16-7) achieved title glory as an unbeaten fighter back in 2013, memorably knocking out the previously invincible Anderson Silva at UFC 162. After three successful defenses against Silva, Lyoto Machida, and Vitor Belfort, the Baldwin native was unseated by Rockhold in a Fight of the Night war.

    The former champ has won just three of his nine fights since, a disappointing run that includes knockout losses to Gegard Mousasi, Ronaldo Souza, and Dominick Reyes, as well as a gruesome broken leg opposite Uriah Hall in 2021. After falling short in his return bout against Brad Tavares last August, Weidman got back into the winner’s circle this year.

    But with that result over Silva coming in controversial fashion after a slew of eye pokes, Weidman will be targeting a definitive triumph when he meets Anders (16-8, 1 NC). “Ya Boi” has struggled with inconsistency after Machida handed him his first loss in a 2018 main event, going 6-7 with one no contest since.

    The ex-NFL athlete most recently bounced back from a defeat to Marc-André Barriault in 2023 by outpointing Jamie Pickett this past March. He’ll now look to get the better of Weidman to secure his first string of victories since a double in 2019.

    Eryk Anders
    Image: UFC.com

  • (Flashback) Gracie: Everyone’s Taking Steroids Except Weidman & Edgar

    Seven years ago, MMA legend Renzo Gracie weighed in on the controversial topic of performance-enhancing drugs in MMA.

    Fresh after Anderson Silva failed a drug test in connection to his 183 bout against Nick Diaz, Gracie took the time to weigh in on the topic.

    According to Gracie, Silva was not the exception when it comes to steroid usage in the sport but was rather the rule. In fact, only two fighters came to mind when Gracie thought of who would serve as “exceptions.”

    “Everybody is taking (steroids),” said Gracie to Brazilian media outlet Tatame. “The difference is that Anderson probably lost control of when the substance would be out of his body. Fighters who don’t use (PEDs) can’t compete in this sport. There are some exceptional guys, like Frankie Edgar and Chris Weidman. Those two never took anything. I watch them closely. Everybody takes (steroids), except them. But they are rare cases.”

    “I don’t understand much about steroids, but I heard that substance is hard to catch,” Gracie continued. “For whatever reason, [Silva] was caught. I don’t know if he took it longer than he should. The problem with those things is that you develop an addiction, both physically and psychologically.”

    Of course, the “Everyone is on steroids” take was later made famous by Nate Diaz. But these comments from years past illustrate that there are others who share Diaz’s cynical take on how their peers approach the sport.

    H/T: Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting.com for translating.

    What percentage of MMA fighters do you believe are on steroids? And do you think USADA has made a significant different on PED usage in the sport?

  • Chris Weidman: I Know I Can Shock The World Again

    Despite his horrific injury last year, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman is as hungry as ever to find success inside the Octagon.

    In the immediate aftermath of the UFC 261 pay-per-view in April 2021, not many would have expected us to be in a position to discuss a return to fighting for Weidman.

    At the event, which represented the return of fans after a lengthy spell behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Weidman ran it back with former rival Uriah Hall. While he emerged victorious in their 2010 Ring of Combat clash, the rematch was to end significantly less positively for the two-time Division l All-American.

    After 17 seconds, Weidman threw the first and last strike of the main card contest. When he stood back and crumpled to the mat, it was clear all was not well. Weidman had suffered a gruesome leg break, reminiscent of the injury Anderson Silva suffered against him eight years prior.

    A certain level of immunity to injury and blood comes with the task of being a fight fan. But you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t grimace at the sight of this one.

    Weidman: “I Haven’t Slowed Down”

    After multiple surgeries and intense rehab, Weidman is nearly back to full fitness. While he admits his leg isn’t 100% healed yet and still needs to develop enough strength to where he’ll feel confident pushing off it again, the 37-year-old is back sparring and open to discussing his comeback.

    While some will undoubtedly question the motivation behind a return given the fact he’s already experienced championship status in the UFC, Weidman feels as good as ever and hasn’t lost his hunger and desire to compete.

    During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Weidman suggested he still has what it takes to beat the best of the best at middleweight. The New York native, who knows a thing or two about upsetting the odds, firmly believes he can “shock the world again.”

    “I honestly feel great man. I’m not coming back just to get a fight and show people that you can come back from tough things,” said Weidman. “It’s more that I really do think I’m in a very selective group of top guys in the world in this division, and I can beat any of those guys on any night.

    “I haven’t slowed down somehow. I’m in there with some really good guys in the gym and if I start seeing that I don’t have what I used to be, and I don’t see myself progressing and getting better and better every day, man, I wouldn’t be doing this,” Weidman continued. “I’m not doing this for the money, I’m not doing this for the glory, I’m doing this because I love to train and I love to do this. I love to compete against the best guys in the world, and I know I can do it; I can shock the world again.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZMy-hhLoa7/

    Prior to his devastating injury, Weidman had rebounded from a two-fight skid by earning a unanimous decision win against Omari Akhmedov. He’ll no doubt be hoping to pick up where he left off in that fight when he returns to action, which he believes could be as early as July.

    Given the recent championship crowning of 42-year-old Glover Teixeira, who dethroned 38-year-old Jan Blachowicz at UFC 267 last October, a late surge for Israel Adesanya’s gold isn’t as hard to picture as it perhaps used to be.

    Do you think Chris Weidman can return to his best following his injury?

  • (Archives) Weidman: Silva’s 2nd Failed Drug Test Tarnishes Legacy (2018)

    Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva found something in common after Weidman’s horrific leg break at UFC 261 last year. Silva suffered the same fate in his rematch against Weidman years prior. One thing that they don’t have in common is failed drug tests, as Weidman made clear in this article published four years ago.

    The following article was published on this day four years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    On This Day Four Years Ago…

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 5, 2018, 1:59 PM]

    Headline: Weidman on Silva’s Second Failed Drug Test: It Tarnishes His Legacy

    Author: Fernando Quiles Jr.

    Chris Weidman believes Anderson Silva’s legacy has taken a massive hit after two failed drug tests.

    Silva’s career may be coming to an end as he’s facing a four-year suspension. “The Spider’s” team has said their fighter will never compete again if he’s hit with a two-year suspension.

    Weidman, who has defeated Silva twice, told MMAFighting.com that “The Spider’s” legacy has taken a hit:

    “Yeah, it definitely tarnishes his legacy. You fail a drug test, your whole career is in question, in my opinion. And he failed them now twice. So definitely it tarnishes his legacy. I don’t know what else to say about that. It’s just another one bites the dust. It’s one after another. Literally, almost every guy I ever fought at this point has failed a drug test.”

    He went on to say he isn’t surprised at the increase in drug violations.

    “I’m not really that surprised. After the first one and now this one. He’s older now. I don’t know. I’m not super surprised. In Brazil, I know the steroids are very easy to get. A lot of guys were probably on them a long time. I’m not super surprised. The reality is that it definitely tarnishes his legacy.”

  • Report: Chris Weidman Hopes To Return To Action This Summer

    Chris Weidman’s first appearance since a gruesome leg injury could come later this year.

    The former UFC Middleweight Champion wants to return to action in the summer, per a recent Substack article by Ariel Helwani. The return would mark his first appearance in over a year and would end his time dealing with one of the more graphic injuries in recent history.

    Weidman suffered a brutal leg injury in April 2021, causing his fight against Uriah Hall to end in just 17 seconds. The broken leg injury forced him to be stretchered out of the arena at UFC 261 and caused him to undergo two different surgeries later in the year.

    After his second surgery, which he says was three hours in total, Weidman told MMA Fighting that he was optimistic about the next steps.

    “I’m just happy. I feel like this is going to be a way quicker recovery and way less painful,” said Weidman in August. “I feel like I made the right decision.”

    The History Of Weidman In The UFC

    Chris Weidman Anderson Silva
    Image Credit: Donald Miralle/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

    Weidman, 37, has now been on the UFC roster for over a decade. He first joined the promotion in 2011 as an undefeated fighter. His most notable fight was a knockout victory over Anderson Silva in 2013, which made him the UFC middleweight champion.

    In a rematch, Silva lost to Weidman due to a leg injury that was quite similar to the one Weidman suffered against Hall. He would defend the belt three times in total before losing it to Luke Rockhold in 2015.

    Weidman has struggled since losing his championship. In his last five fights, he has come up successful in two bouts. His last win was a unanimous decision victory over Omari Akhmedov in 2020.

    Are you surprised that Chris Weidman is already eyeing a return?