Chris Weidman has announced that his next bout is going to be at 205 pounds, and the former middleweight champ wants to face one of the division’s best. Yes, even though he’s coming off a knockout loss and has dropped four of his last five bouts.
Due to injures Weidman hasn’t competed yet this year, as the decorated wrestler’s last bout took place in November, when he was taken out by “Jacare” Souza. The 34-year-old has talked about moving up to light-heavyweight in the past, and this past weekend, Weidman confirmed he’s making the jump.
While discussing why he’s decided to do so, and his next bout, the New York fighter said this (quotes via MMA Junkie):
“I’ve had two back-to-back surgeries, I’m coming off a loss, and I’m just like, my weight’s going kind of high,” Weidman said. “I’ve accomplished my goals at (185 pounds). I’ve had that belt wrapped around me four different times. I really wanted to get it back, and I’m not saying the door is totally shut on that idea. I’m not saying the door is totally shut on ’85, but the weight cuts are tough, and I kind of want to see what my body is like without depleting itself.
“Honestly I don’t care,” Weidman said, while discussing who he wants to fight next. “One side of me is like, ‘Listen, I’ve fought 10 or 11 top-five guys in a row.’ Is it the smart thing to fight a guy who is not on that level? Probably, but I like to take risks. High risk, high reward. The better the guy, the more people doubting, and I think that’s what truly motivates me and excites me.”
If you’ve followed Weidman over the years, then these comments shouldn’t surprise you. Further, it would seem somewhat strange to see Weidman fighting an opponent who isn’t ranked in the top 10 or 15. Another former middleweight champ, Luke Rockhold for example, is fighting the #6 ranked Jan Blachowicz in his 205 debut.
Now of course, this doesn’t mean necessarily that Weidman will get offered a top ranked fighter. But what about a fight with rising 205’er Aleksander Rakic? It would be interesting to see how Rakic does against Weidman’s wrestling and top game. Weidman may not be ranked in the top 15, but it would be a big boost to Rakic’s name and resume if he could get by “The All American”. If Weidman won, however, it would say a lot about his ability to contend in the division.
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