Chris Weidman returns to fight in the city where he started his career and denies retirement

Coming from a long period away due to a serious injury and a defeat upon his return to the octagons, Chris Weidman goes into action again this Saturday (30), at UFC Atlantic City, a place that means a lot to the former middleweight champion (84 kg). However, despite the farewell atmosphere, the veteran does not treat the duel against Brazilian Bruno Blindado as the last of his career.

In an exclusive interview with Ag Fight, Weidman admitted that he even considered hanging up his gloves in the same city where he started his career in MMA, but he rethought and abandoned the idea of ​​retiring this Saturday. This is because, according to the former champion, his performance in the preparation camp makes him believe that he still has ‘wood to burn’ in the sport, despite his advanced age.

“I was offered the fight in Atlantic City, that’s where I started my career. So initially I thought, ‘It’s a cool place…’ Because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as far as (continuing to) fight or retiring, it could be my last fight. So I was offered to fight in Atlantic City and that would be a cool place to retire: ‘Let’s do this.’ But I’ve been feeling so good. I didn’t know if the motivation would be good, if my body would handle it. But I’ve been feeling great. I no longer see this as my last fight. I don’t want to have regrets. I’ve been feeling really good, I feel like I have more to offer the sport, and with a big win on Saturday night, there are some great options for me,” said Weidman.

Victory is fundamental

To continue working in the UFC, however, your desire alone is not enough. At 39 years old and with a negative record of results in his last fights – four defeats and just one victory – the former champion also needs to prove inside the octagon that he continues to be able to compete at a high level, in order to convince the organization and, mainly, Dana White to keep him on his roster of athletes. Therefore, a triumph for Chris Weidman over Bruno Blindado this Saturday, on the UFC Atlantic City card, is essential for his future aspirations.