Former UFC champion Chris Weidman will return to combat sports just months after retiring from MMA.
Chris Weidman targeted a return to MMA in a rematch with former UFC middleweight foe Luke Rockhold in the Global Fight League. But after the GFL reportedly canceled multiple events, and with the promotion’s future cloudy, Weidman pivoted towards another opportunity to compete.
Weidman announced his retirement from MMA after a loss to Eryk Anders at UFC 310 in December. But Weidman was booked for a return to the cage in the GFL, in a rematch years in the making against Rockhold.
GFL has since canceled a slew of fights, including Dillon Danis vs. Tony Ferguson, for undisclosed reasons. This forced fighters like Weidman to consider other options amidst the GFL’s holding pattern.
Chris Weidman vs. Pat Downey added to Fury Pro Grappling 13
Weidman will now compete at Fury Pro Grappling 13 in a grappling match against former Bellator standout Pat Downey on May 23rd in Atlantic City. Downey’s grappling comeback comes after he was banned by IBJJF for five years after a brawl with an opponent at the 2024 World NoGi Championships.
Downey most recently defeated UFC middleweight Andre Petroski by decision at Fury Pro Grappling 12 in December. Before that, he split grappling matches against Rockhold and Adam Bradley.
Weidman returns to the pro grappling circuit two years after a loss to Owen Livesey at Polaris 23. He then returned to UFC competition at UFC 292, losing to Brad Tavares by unanimous decision before a controversial win over Bruno Silva.
The full Fury Pro Grappling 13 fight card is expected to be finalized in the coming days.
Chris Weidman returns to action after announcing UFC retirement
Weidman, a likely future UFC Hall of Famer, is looking to return to the peak physical form that saw him earn UFC wins over the likes of Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, and Lyoto Machida.
Weidman is a dangerous grappler, after he became an NCAA Division I All-American wrestler and demonstrating elite ground abilities. He submitted the likes of Tom Lawlor and Kelvin Gastelum during his UFC tenure.
Weidman could potentially return to MMA down the line, regardless of GFL’s future. In the meantime, he’s focused on making a statement in his professional grappling return.
