Chris Weidman has bold plans for his UFC comeback, vowing to unleash the most devastating leg kick of his career. After a two-year absence due to a severe leg injury sustained against Uriah Hall, Weidman is set to face Brad Tavares at UFC 292 in Boston on August 19.
The infamous injury occurred during their fight at UFC 261 when Hall effectively blocked one of Weidman’s kicks, causing his leg to break instantly and abruptly end the match. Now, after enduring multiple surgeries and months of grueling rehabilitation, Weidman is determined to test his injured limb right from the start of the bout.
Speaking on The MMA Hour, Weidman stated, “The first thing I’m doing in that fight against Brad Tavares is throwing the hardest leg kick of my life, right on his shinbone. I want to face my fears and challenge myself. If there’s something that makes me uncomfortable, I believe in confronting it head-on.”
When asked about any lingering doubts, Weidman expressed his eagerness to kick with his injured leg quickly to overcome any apprehension. He jokingly added, “I hope Brad Tavares, I hope we’re on the same page. He’s not allowed to check the first leg kick. Just let it land, please. Then all is good after that, may the best man win.”
Weidman underwent emergency surgery immediately after the injury in April 2021, followed by another surgery in August. Throughout his recovery, he has shared his rehabilitation journey with fans. Recently, it was confirmed that Weidman’s return fight would be against Tavares.
Fortunately, Weidman has been progressing well without experiencing significant pain or complications. He reassured, “I’m good to go. Despite the long recovery and all the challenges, everything has happened for a reason, and I feel really healthy now. Kicking is no problem, being kicked is no problem.”
Weidman’s opponent, Brad Tavares, is also a seasoned UFC middleweight fighter, known for his endurance and gritty performances rather than knockout power. This matchup seems favorable for Weidman, considering his recent knockout losses prior to the injury.
While acknowledging the danger Tavares brings, Weidman recognizes that it could have been a more challenging return opponent. He explained, “I think Brad Tavares is a good matchup for me to come back to. I have respect for him, and I’m preparing hard for this fight, but there could be worse matchups in the top 10, top 15 rankings.”
Despite Weidman’s words and his impressive training, all eyes will be on his leg as he steps back into the octagon. The graphic replay of his injury will undoubtedly be replayed endlessly, although Weidman has grown accustomed to it. He shared an interesting anecdote about watching his leg break from a different angle in footage for an upcoming documentary, admitting he had never seen that perspective before.
As he described the scene, Weidman said, “You see the backside of my calf, where it wraps around the leg and two bones shoot out and blood and everything shoots out, and then I fall back down. I did not ever see that. I didn’t think that angle ever existed. It’s pretty nuts.”
Weidman expressed his disbelief at witnessing the gruesome detail but remains resilient, grateful for his remarkable recovery and his ability to make a triumphant return to the octagon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC comeback
Q: What injury did Chris Weidman suffer that caused his two-year layoff from UFC?
A: Chris Weidman suffered a severe leg injury during his fight against Uriah Hall at UFC 261. Hall checked one of Weidman’s kicks, causing his leg to break instantly, leading to a lengthy recovery period.
Q: When is Chris Weidman scheduled to make his UFC comeback?
A: Chris Weidman is set to make his UFC comeback on August 19 at UFC 292 in Boston, where he will face Brad Tavares.
Q: What is Chris Weidman’s plan for his UFC return fight?
A: Chris Weidman plans to start his return fight against Brad Tavares by throwing the hardest leg kick of his life. He wants to face his fears and challenge himself right from the beginning of the bout.
Q: How has Chris Weidman’s recovery been going?
A: Chris Weidman has documented his recovery journey and has stated that he feels healthy and ready to go. He has been training without significant pain or complications, both in terms of kicking and being kicked.
Q: Who is Brad Tavares, and how does he match up against Chris Weidman?
A: Brad Tavares is a fellow veteran of the UFC middleweight division. He is known for his endurance and gritty performances rather than knockout power. Weidman acknowledges the danger Tavares poses but considers him a safer option for a return opponent compared to some other fighters in the top rankings.
Q: Will Chris Weidman’s leg injury be a concern in his comeback fight?
A: The focus will undoubtedly be on Chris Weidman’s leg as he returns to the octagon. Although he has trained well and expressed confidence in his recovery, the leg’s durability and performance will be closely watched during the fight.
More about UFC comeback
- Chris Weidman Plans ‘Hardest Leg Kick of My Life’ in UFC Return
- Chris Weidman UFC Profile
- Uriah Hall vs. Chris Weidman Fight Highlights
- Brad Tavares UFC Profile
- UFC 292 Event Details
