Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman says he is definitely “not ready to retire” following knockout loss at UFC on ESPN 6.
While many have called for Chris Weidman to hang up the gloves following UFC on ESPN 6 (UFC Boston), the All-American isn’t listening. On Tuesday, the former middleweight champion released a lengthy statement, tackling the retirement subject head on. And in short, he’s not done yet.
Writing on his official Instagram account, Weirdman wrote that
I just want to let everyone know I’m all good just obviously bummed with the result. I knew Dom was a tough fight and he proved to be more than that with a beautiful timed left hand that put me down in the first. I jumped in with a right hand and the range was off and he capitalized. Sucks for me. As for what is next for me… I’m hearing a lot of “you should retire comments” and I get where you are coming from based on the results of my recent fights.
It’s crazy because with a win over Reyes the chances of me fighting for the world championship were very strong. Now to be getting hit with the retirement talk is really a big swing for me to get used to hearing. I will tell you that I am def not ready to retire. I still love this and am very hungry to get back in there. I believe I have the abilities to still be world champion. I know some of you are shaking your head and laughing at me when I say that .. well screw you and thanks for the motivation. This fight I was coming off a year lay-off, 2 major surgeries, and a weight class change. Way too much time out of the gym and I feel like that did play a role in this fight. The fact that I’m healthy right now and can get back in the gym is territory that I’m not used too. I will be back soon and I will look good doing it.
Thank you everyone for your support and I’m sorry to let you down. This extreme low in my career will be part of my story and I will finish on top. Thank you to my friends and family and sponsors @monsterenergy @cbdmd.usa @fellowshiphomeloans @medtronic who stand behind me in my high and low moments! Thank you to God for blessing me with all that I have and am so undeserving of. Everyday is a gift and I’m so thankful to be able to experience that gift even when my goals and desires aren’t met.
Weidman (14–5) was knocked out in under two minutes in the main event of UFC Boston this past Friday. Falling to Dominick Reyes, Wiedman dropped his fifth fight out of six, dating back to 2015. His lone win in that span came against Kelvin Gastelum over two years ago at UFC on FOX 25.
Injuries have also kept Weidman from competing on a regular basis. The question now will become, if healthy and intending to continue fighting, what weight class will it be in?
