The MMA realm went into shock as Eryk Anders was forced to pull out of his fight against Chris Weidman just moments before the fight night. Needless to say, the excitement regarding the fight was pretty high. And the fallout greatly disappointed not just ‘The All-American’, but fans as well. Just try to imagine how Weidman must have felt when Dana White and Co. broke the news to him. Heartbreaking, right? 

As soon as he got the unfortunate update from Hunter Campbell, the Chief Business Officer of the UFC, Weidman took to Instagram and shared the news with the fighting community. He said, “Unfortunately, I just got a phone call from Hunter Campbell, that my fight with Eryk Anders is off. Eryk Anders apparently got sick and is not going to be able to fight tonight. So yeah, I’m super bummed out. I felt so good for this fight, I was so ready. My head is spinning right now that this is happening. I was about to walk into the arena. Just said the prayers to my family, just felt so good. And I was so excited to put on a show at Madison Square Garden.”

Nevertheless, the 40-year-old middleweight fighter extended his well wishes for Anders’ speedy recovery. After that, he apologized to the fans who had spent a lot of money just to see him fight at MSG Arena. He continued, “Really sucks! And I’m sorry. I’ll keep you guys in loop, I guess, on what’s next. I appreciate you guys for always supporting me.” 

Soon after the middleweight fighter dropped the news, the bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili, took to the comments section and dropped a fist emoji, to lift Weidman’s spirits. On the other hand, Jamahal Hill empathized with the 40-year-old and wrote, “Sorry champ.” But what did the fight fans have to say? Let’s find out!

UFC World shares Chris Weidman’s disappointment as his fight against Eryk Anders gets canceled

As soon as the former UFC champion dropped the sorrowful news on Instagram, the fight fans took to the comments to express their feelings. And of course, disappointment was an emotion that the entire MMA realm felt. One of the fans wrote, “This is tragic… I can’t imagine what you and your team are thinking! Prayers to you and your family as well as your opponent!” Meanwhile, another fan commented, “Sorry champ! Was really looking forward to your fight.” One more comment went like, “Ugh was psyched to see you.”

After Weidman defeated Bruno Silva back in March 2024, the hype around his return was pretty high. And the anticipation of his return still remains, even after his bout at UFC 309 was scrapped. One of the fans commented, “Brutal. Was coming in just for that. Looking forward to seeing what you do next champ.” Another comment read, “Brutal man….rooting for ya whatever comes next.”

Despite the heartbreak, the fighting community tried to lift Weidman’s spirits up high. One fan wrote, “Heart breaking. Keep your chin up champ.” While another fan claimed that a major comeback was going to happen soon, quoting, “Minor setback for a major comeback champ.” However, a few of the fans were disappointed at Dana White and Co. for not finding a replacement for Anders. A comment read, “They better find a last minute replacement! Thats bull s–t. I had alot of money on you.”

Nevertheless, the former MW champ remained hopeful to return to the Octagon in style. Whoever lands opposite of him, things are sure to get interesting, don’t you agree? What are your thoughts on the cancelation of Weidman’s fight? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.