UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has voiced his concerns about former middleweight champion Chris Weidman's career.
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has voiced his concerns about former middleweight champion Chris Weidman’s career. Suggesting that it might be time for Weidman to hang up his gloves and retire from the sport. After Weidman’s unsuccessful return to MMA, Bisping strongly believes that Weidman’s recent performances indicate that he’s past his prime and should no longer compete at a subpar level.
Weidman’s return to the octagon wasn’t a triumphant one, as he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Brad Tavares at UFC 292 in Boston. Bisping a former UFC middleweight champion himself and now a UFC commentator observed that Weidman didn’t resemble his former self in the fight. Bisping having experienced the transition from active fighter to commentator understands the difficulty in accepting when it’s time to retire.
In his commentary on his YouTube channel, Bisping expressed his concern for fighters who continue competing beyond their prime and face a string of losses compromising their legacy and health. He empathized with fans who witnessed their favorite fighters struggle to regain their former glory and he saw Chris Weidman as one of those fighters who should consider stepping away from the sport.
Despite being a fan of Weidman’s accomplishments including dethroning Anderson Silva and defending the belt against formidable opponents. Bisping believes that Weidman’s recent record which includes losses against elite fighters and a gruesome leg injury is indicative of the challenges he faces as he advances in age and recovery.
Weidman’s recent injury a broken tibia that took over two years to recover from significantly impacted his career trajectory. With his loss to Tavares, Weidman’s record now stands at 2-7 in his last nine fights. A concerning trend that Bisping thinks warrants a serious evaluation of his fighting future.
Bisping’s comments don’t come from a place of malice but from genuine concern for Weidman’s well-being and legacy. He acknowledges the emotional and challenging process of suggesting retirement to a fellow fighter especially one as accomplished as Weidman. Bisping’s experience in the sport and his transition to commentary provide him with a unique perspective on the toll that fighting can take on a fighter’s body and mind.
While Bisping admits that suggesting retirement is a tough and uncomfortable conversation. He maintains that it’s important for fighters to consider their long-term health and legacy. He hopes that Weidman will reflect on his recent performances, injuries, and challenges and have a candid conversation with his family about his future in MMA.
For more UFC news and updates
Read: UFC 292: Preview, Prediction, Fight Card, Venue, Where to Watch, and Tickets
Read: UFC 292 results: Sean O’Malley Claims UFC Bantamweight Title with stunning finish
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