Chris Weidman has seen it all—the highs and lows. ‘The All-American’ finally made his return to the Octagon 847 days after suffering a career-threatening leg injury. The former UFC champion clashed against Brad Tavares at UFC 292 on August 19 at the TD Garden in Boston. However, he had a forgettable comeback, as he failed to bury the ghosts of the past and gave fans an outing to remember.
Notably, the former middleweight champion’s shin exploded as he checked a kick against Uriah Hall. Therefore, the comeback fight appeared to be a contest of willpower rather than a physical test for him. Meanwhile, Tavares came into the fight on the heels of two successive defeats, and he eyed a return to the winner’s column. But it was the Hawaiian fighter who stood tall.
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Notably, Tavares won the fight via unanimous decision as he swept the judges’ scorecard, as all judges scored the fight 30-27 in his favor.
What happened in the fight at UFC 292?
Weidman sized up his opponent, but it was Tavares who drew out the first shot. Weidman slowly gained confidence as he landed a jab and followed it with a few takedown attempts. When he had mustered the courage to finally land a kick, he got a low blow in return. When the fight resumed, Tavares’ low kicks worked wonders as Weidman wobbled a bit due to his beaten-up left leg.
In the second round, Tavares came out all guns blazing, and his low kicks put the former champion’s leg kick in jeopardy. But Weidman took the fight to Tavares as he shouted and threw jabs while reeling from the effects of a busted left leg. He also landed a few high kicks as he found his mojo. Further, he mixed up his weapons as the second round came to a close.
In the final round, Tavares relied on what worked best for him throughout the fight: landing low kicks on Weidman’s left leg. In addition, he exhibited strong takedown defense as he fended off Weidman’s takedown attempts. Therefore, he bagged the fight as it was decided on points.
Fans and fighters alike lauded Weidman for his gusty performance. However, a few doubted whether it was time for the fighter to finally hang up his MMA gloves.
How did the fans react to Weidman’s comeback outing?
Much respect to Chris Weidman. Every time he took a leg kick I was wincing big time. All guts to see it through to the end. Maybe a retirement fight in New York if he can turn around in time? #UFC292
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) August 20, 2023
Weidman is so tough man
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) August 20, 2023
when Weidman said his new rod can take full on leg kicks he didn’t mean his dick, Bradley. #UFC292
— MacMally 🍀 (@MacMallyMMA) August 20, 2023
Weidman making the walk is one of the more emotional moments in UFC history.
Coming back after a serious injury late in his career is very inspirational.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) August 20, 2023
Weidman is as mentally tough as they come. #UFC292
— Brian Campbell (@BCampbell) August 20, 2023
Weidman showed heart but it’s over for him
— Database Sports Picks (@DatabasePicks) August 20, 2023
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old man needs to quit it. not gonna be able to walk as retired individual. gonna be using cane by 43, former champ already been to top nothing left to prove.
had his comeback from the gruesome injury proved he could tough it out for three rounds but enough really is enough
— Max Persellin (@MPersellin70) August 20, 2023
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What do you make of this exciting fight at UFC 292? Let us know in the comments below.
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