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When Chris Weidman was Injured a Second Time, UFC Considered an Interim Title
The middleweight title fight between champion Chis Weidman and Vitor Belfort has been in the making since early 2014. On May 23, the two will finally meet in the UFC 187 co-main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The two were originally slated to headline UFC 173 in May 2014, but the fight fell apart when the Nevada Athletic commission banned the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on Feb. 27, 2014. Belfort, who used the treatment, quickly withdrew from the bout.
“Given the time constraints involved between now and my proposed next bout in May, I have determined not to apply for a license to fight in Nevada at this time,” the Brazilian said in a statement.
The two were then scheduled to headline UFC 181 in December 2014, but Weidman suffered a broken hand in training and pulled out of the fight. The bout was rescheduled for UFC 184 on Feb. 28, but Weidman was forced out of that event due to an injured rib.
Through all the setbacks and delays, there were times when Weidman thought the fight would never materialize.
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“Probably at some point (he thought the fight wouldn’t happen), the point where they almost did an interim title and maybe possibly fight someone else. But there was probably some thought to that, but he’s a guy who is on a three-fight winning streak. He’s never looked better. People, I think, are forgetting about that because he’s been out for so long. And I’m prepared for the best Vitor we’ve ever seen. I knew at some point we would have to face each other; it’s inevitable,” said the champion during a recent media conference call.
When Weidman had to pull out of the fight twice due to injury, the UFC considered putting together an interim title fight.
“Lorenzo (Fertitta) and Dana (White), they mentioned to me on the phone that… I was kind of caught off guard with it… and I started thinking what does it really matter if they do an interim? I understand business-wise they’ve got to sell a fight, but then what if one of those guys get hurt? When am I going to be able to fight again? I don’t want to wait too long,” said Weidman about learning of the possibility of an interim title.
“So that was the biggest issue because I was going to be ready to fight in May, and if they have another fight that happens in May, then when are they going to be really able to have me fight for the title? So I’m just happy everything played out the way it played out because it gives me an opportunity to stay in the fight and keep fighting and making that money,” he said.
Despite the many delays, Weidman remained focused on Belfort and improving as a person and a fighter.
“Vitor has definitely always been in the back of my mind just as it all started going down. I knew this fight was going to happen, but with this time off I think life is all about self-improvement and just creating a better you. And that’s what I’ve been working on, to become a better family man, become closer to God, physically,” said Weidman.
“I feel like we’re all infants in this game of mixed martial arts and just trying to get better at every single aspect. Trying to be the best in the world and to get to the best in the world of wrestling, the best in the world of boxing, and be able to put it all together. So there’s just so much for us to learn every single day. So I’ve just been focused on self-improvement in every single aspect of life,” he added.
“I’ve been off now for a while. I’ve worked a lot of different new techniques. I have a lot of new magic tricks to bring to the game and I’m excited to be comfortable enough to do it in the Octagon,” said Weidman. “That’s how you grow. So I’m looking forward to coming to this fight to grow as a fighter.”
