New York: Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman has broken his silence on the injury that has derailed his highly anticipated return to combat sports. The 40-year-old was scheduled to face longtime rival Anderson Silva in a boxing trilogy bout, but a sudden injury setback has forced him to withdraw.
Weidman had officially retired from MMA following a TKO loss at UFC 310 in December 2023. Months later, he signed with the Global Fight League (GFL) and was expected to face former UFC champion Luke Rockhold. When that matchup collapsed, promoters arranged a boxing trilogy with Silva, intended for the undercard of the Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis event.
Even after Paul vs Davis fell apart and a new Paul vs Anthony Joshua card was announced for December 19, Weidman remained committed to fighting Silva—until injury struck.
Weidman: “I thought boxing was safer… then I tore my bicep”
In an emotional Instagram video, Weidman admitted he underestimated the physical toll of boxing compared to MMA.
“I didn’t think I could get hurt in boxing. It’s so much easier on the body compared to MMA,” Weidman said.
“I tore my bicep tendon throwing a left hook… there goes that tendon. I tried to push through.”
The injury occurred during a routine training session, leaving Weidman unable to punch with full force. He also revealed issues with his hook technique contributed to the tear.
Despite the setback, Weidman initially believed he could compete before undergoing surgery.
“It would have been a little weaker, but I think I could have fought and then gotten the surgery afterward,” he added.
Surgery Ends December Fight, Silva Moves On to Tyron Woodley
The torn bicep required immediate medical attention, and Weidman has since undergone surgery, officially pulling him out of the December 19 event. With Weidman sidelined, Anderson Silva is now expected to face Tyron Woodley on the revamped card headlined by Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua.
The canceled bout would have been Weidman’s first competition since briefly retiring from the UFC and transitioning to the GFL roster.
As of now, no timeline has been provided for the former champion’s recovery or future return to the ring.
