Weidman lost the belt to Rockhold in December 2015. (Photo: Getty Images)
Former middleweight champion (up to 84kg), Chris Weidman He has already set his goal for 2017: to regain the category belt. Coming from defeats to Luke Rockhold e Yoel romero, the North American has a duel scheduled against Gegard Mousasi at UFC 210, April 8, in Buffalo (USA). For him, this is the ideal confrontation to put him back on the path to victory and, consequently, closer to a new title dispute.
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“I want to get that belt back and fight the toughest guys in the division, this is the way to accomplish that. I don't accept those defeats (for Luke Rockhold e Yoel romero) and I think, 'I need to beat some guy who's not at my level to get my confidence back.' I know exactly what I did wrong in that fight and what I need to do differently, so I don't have to fight any of these guys to boost my confidence. I'm as confident as I was. I feel that Mousasi is a good fight for me to get back on the path to victory and get close to fighting for the belt again”, declared the North American, in an interview with the program 'MMA Hour' (USA).
When analyzing his next opponent, Weidman praised Mousasi's “cold” style, but assured that he will take the Iranian out of his 'comfort area'. “What he brings is that he is an experienced guy and he fights like an experienced guy. He stays calm in all situations, but I will make him panic when he fights me. I really feel like it's a good fight. I give him respect, I think he's a tough guy and I expect a tough fight, but I think it's a great fight for me”, he concluded.
Chris Weidman won the middleweight belt in July 2013, when he surprised by knocking out Anderson Silva. He defended his belt on three occasions, all against Brazilians – Anderson Silva, Lyoto Machida e Vitor belfort -, which earned him the reputation of 'Brazil's executioner'. The first setback of his career came in December 2015 when he was knocked out by Luke Rockhold at UFC 194, which took the belt from him. In his most recent performance, another defeat by knockout, this time to Yoel romero at UFC 205 last November.
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