Chris Weidman explains decision not to retire and promises 'better version' against Bruno Blindado

Chris Weidman has just two wins in the last eight years. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @chrisweidman

Once undefeated and dominant middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Chris Weidman faces Bruno Blindado at UFC Atlantic City this Saturday (30) in a completely different scenario. At 39 years old and with just two wins in the last eight years, the former champion is fighting to show that he can still be competitive.

During the event's 'media day', held last Wednesday (27), Weidman admitted to having considered retirement after losing to Brad Tavares in August last year, which marked his return after two years out due to a serious leg injury suffered in the defeat against Uriah Hall, in 2021. The North American, however, stated that his performance in training made him move forward and assured that he feels in the best technical shape of his career.

[related]

“I feel motivated. During this camp I had a very open mind to read myself and see how I felt physically and mentally. Do I still have things to offer? Am I as good as I once was? Can I still evolve? And as the camp has unfolded, I think skill-wise I'm better than ever. If you look skill by skill, I don't think there is anyone in the UFC, in any division, who has the skills I have in stand-up fighting, wrestling and jiu-jitsu. If you count everything and average it, I will be at the top of the list,” he said.

With names like Anderson Silva (twice), Vitor belfort e Lyoto Machida on your resume, Chris Weidman states that he is very proud of the career he has built, but guarantees that he still has more to show before hanging up his gloves.

“I'm very grateful for the career I have and everything I've achieved, but that doesn't make me complacent. I have more to offer and more to show. (…) I’m optimistic about the future”, he concluded.