Ground and pound from Rockhold punished Weidman. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
José Aldo was not the only champion to be dethroned at UFC 194, an event held last Saturday (12). Then holder of the middleweight title, Chris Weidman suffered the first defeat of his career and lost the belt to Luke Rockhold.
Weidman, who was coming off victories over Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida e Vitor belfort, ended up succumbing to Rockhold in the fourth round, by technical knockout. Now a former champion, Weidman sent a message to his fans on his Instagram account, saying that the setback will not stop him from achieving his desire to stay at the top.
“I will remember this moment forever. That already made me a better person. The motivation I have within me has never been stronger. I didn't feel like I was myself for several reasons, but it was a deserved and necessary defeat. I will come back and I will be champion again. I want everyone to know that I'm fine. I am so blessed with an amazing family, friends, team and fans. Thank you all for the support. Now he is more important than ever”, wrote the fighter.
At 31 years old, Weidman now has 12 wins and one loss in professional MMA. The American has remained middleweight champion since July 2013, when he surprisingly knocked out Anderson Silva, reigned in the category for more than seven years.
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