Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman has suggested that his forthcoming bout might signal the conclusion of his fighting career. Once a dominant force in the 185-pound division, Weidman has encountered a string of setbacks, losing seven of his last nine fights. One of these losses resulted from a gruesome leg injury suffered in April 2021 against Uriah Hall.
After more than two years of recovery, Weidman returned to the octagon in August 2023, only to endure another leg fracture in a match against Brad Tavares. This unrelated injury compounded his physical challenges.
Speaking with Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel, Weidman expressed confidence in his skills and motivation to be among the best fighters globally. However, he acknowledged the toll on his body, making it challenging to meet the demands of the sport.
“I’m setting myself up for the future, and I wasn’t sure. I was kind of listening to my body, just trying to get healthy. Mentally and motivation-wise, and technique-wise, I still think I’m top of the world — but my body’s just taking a beating,” Weidman said.
He revealed that the upcoming fight against Bruno Silva might be his last. Weidman plans to evaluate how his body responds during the training camp and decide accordingly. If he can withstand the rigorous training, he may continue fighting, but if not, retirement is a possibility.
The fight against Silva holds special meaning for Weidman beyond his athletic goals. Taking place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, near his hometown, Weidman sees it as a chance to return to his roots and assess his performance in a familiar setting.
“The reason why I even took this fight pretty quickly, it didn’t even matter who it was because it was offered in Atlantic City. That’s where I started my career, was Atlantic City because at the time, MMA wasn’t legal in New York. The New York guys had to fight in Ring of Combat in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I just think it would be pretty cool to go back there where it all started and see how I feel. Obviously, it’s a good payday, see how my body feels and we’ll go from there,” explained Weidman.
As Weidman readies for his upcoming fight, he acknowledges that it could potentially conclude his fighting journey. While he remains optimistic about his abilities, the decision to retire or continue will hinge on how his body responds during the training camp.
