Two years after the horrific injury inside the UFC Octagon that left former UFC middleweight champion with a broken leg, Chris Weidman returned to the Octagon in the prelims headliner of UFC 292: Sterling vs. O’Malley.
The game plan looked simple for Weidman, take the fight to the ground. But that was not to be the case. However, while Weidman failed to secure any takedowns, he did land some clean shots on Tavares and surprisingly looked better on the feet than many would have predicted.
Chris Weidman’s legs are toast. Sucks when the body just doesn’t match the spirit anymore. Happens to all athletes eventually.
— TJ Goebig (@GoebigTj) August 20, 2023
The left hook from Weidman connected on several occassions, who showed incredible toughness and conditioning. The crowd was also on its feet throughout the three rounds, and barring the numerous low blows, the fight was highly entertaining and marked an incredible return for Wediman back inside the Octagon.
Chris Weidman loses his first fight since the leg injury at UFC 292
Weidman also threw his right leg multiple times after the second round, showing no signs of hesitancy after a successful recovery from the leg break.
Come on Chris Weidman! What a moment! Nail biting! ❤️🙏
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 20, 2023
However, it wasn’t his night. Tavares was expected to target Weidman’s leg, and that’s what happened as he battered Weidman’s left leg over the course of the three rounds.
The wide stance from Weidman proved costly for him in the second round after Tavares’ repeated leg kicks to his left leg left him wobbling at what looked like the end of the fight. However, Weidman recovered quickly, changing his stance and shifting to his right leg. In case you were unaware, the injury happened to the right leg.
Man what a warrior! So proud of you brother! Inspirational 🙏🏻❤️ @chrisweidman
— “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) August 20, 2023
After three rounds, all three judges scored the contest 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Brad Tavares.
Two surgeries Chris had as well, the bone wasn’t joining back. Yous have no idea. The usual.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 20, 2023
Chris Weidman struggled to walk out of the cage and Brad Tavares immediately came over and helped him walk to his family #ufc292 pic.twitter.com/gLFTHj8XD2
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) August 20, 2023
Fight fans took to social media to congratulate the former champion on his first fight since the injury and looked quite optimistic about his UFC journey going forward. Needless to say, the conversation around Conor McGregor’s return also found an audience after Weidman’s return. The Notorious also took to X to share his thoughts on the fight.
