SUMMARY
- Chris Weidman went through an impressive training camp before his UFC Atlantic City fight which makes him want to continue fighting.
- Weidman will face Bruno Silva in a middleweight bout at UFC Atlantic City.
39-year-old Chris Weidman hinted at retirement after his upcoming fight at UFC Atlantic City. However, ‘The All-American’ has been feeling great throughout his camp which has made him change his decision.
Former UFC Middleweight Champion, Weidman, has had a glittering career. He earned accolades in wrestling before he ventured into pro-MMA. Weidman went on a 13-match undefeated streak at the beginning of his career which saw him defeat fighters like Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida, and Vitor Belfort.
Five weeks after suffering a devastating leg injury at UFC 261, Chris Weidman is walking on his own 👏
(via @chrisweidman) pic.twitter.com/L1IBQJSvHo
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 29, 2021
In the nine matches after racking up a 13-0 record Weidman has gone 2-7. In 2021, Weidman faced Uriah Hill at UFC 261. In 17 seconds of the first round, Weidman’s outside low kick was checked by Hall with his left knee and this caused Weidman’s right fibula and tibia to snap on contact. This injury was similar to the one he inflicted on Anderson Silva at UFC 168.
Weidman had multiple surgeries, a wound infection, and a long and difficult rehabilitation process. However, throughout the process, he was planning to return to fight. He was asked to retire by many. But, he was not ready to retire yet. Following his grueling rehab, he made a return to the Octagon over two years later at UFC 292.
39-year-old Chris Weidman feels he has more to offer after UFC Atlantic City
At UFC Atlantic City, Weidman will face Bruno Silva in a middleweight bout. Months before the fight, he had hinted at retirement following his UFC Atlantic City commitments. However, his training camp has changed his mind. In several interviews before the Fight Night, Weidman has expressed his desire to continue fighting.
In his interview with ESPN MMA, Weidman said, “Then they offer me a fight in Atlantic City, I go ‘You know what? That’s probably a pretty cool spot to put the gloves down.’ Just sail off from there… Then I started the training camp and I was going to let me see how the body and the motivation and everything feels and I just started feeling better than ever… I’m excited to you know be able to go out there and put a performance”
Chris Weidman referred to his comeback from injury as a huge motivation for him to continue. Not many expected to see Weidman compete inside the Octagon after his horrific injury. However, he made a remarkable recovery.
Chris Weidman takes on Bruno Silva at UFC Atlantic City
UFC on ESPN 54 or UFC Atlantic City, will take place on March 30, 2024, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The event will be headlined by a women’s flyweight bout between Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot. Weidman vs. Bruno Silva is part of the main card of the Fight Night.
Chris Weidman (186) vs Bruno Silva (186)#UFCAtlanticCity pic.twitter.com/HY4TopPqKM
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 29, 2024
Silva began his UFC career with three back-to-back victories but has since faced four defeats in his last five fights. He last faced Russian fighter Sharabutdin Magomedov at UFC 294 and was defeated via unanimous decision. The Brazilian fighter, who is a former M-1 Middleweight Champion, would be hoping to change his fortunes with a win over Weidman.
On the other hand, Chris Weidman fought Brad Tavares at UFC 292 in his comeback fight. The American lost the bout via unanimous decision but everyone was happy to see him leave the Octagon without a serious injury. With his future plans already in place, Weidman would also be vying hard for triumph.