Weidman: Loss to Rockhold a ‘fluke’
Chris Weidman: “There’s no question in my mind that I’m gonna go out there and make a statement, completely dominate him and make sure everybody knows the last fight was a fluke.”
Although he made no excuses immediately after the fight, it was revealed recently that Chris Weidman had broken his foot prior. Weidman talked about the injury recently and how he thinks the rematch will be different:
“I say these things, because they came out,” Weidman told MMA Fighting in a recent interview. “It’s a fact. There’s no excuses.”
Weidman (13-1) lost the middleweight title to Rockhold by fourth-round TKO in that bout. The Long Island native said he broke his foot in two places about six weeks before the fight and also needed surgery after the fight to remove bone spurs from his elbow. With that knowledge, Weidman still did not want to withdraw from the bout.
“I knew what I was getting myself into, but I still thought I could go out there and beat him,” Weidman said. “Even with that stuff. And he proved that I was wrong. He came out to fight. He was better than me that night.”
Weidman will get a chance at retribution when he faces Rockhold in a rematch in the main event of UFC 199 on June 4 in Los Angeles. The former champ is recovered and back to training. He said he’s already in shape three months out of the clash and more motivated than ever to get back what he believes is his.
“I know what I’m capable of,” Weidman said. “I know my potential and I know I wasn’t close to it. The fact that because of what I’ve accomplished in the past gives me the opportunity to get a rematch is a great situation to be in. In most situations, people don’t get the second chance, especially right away. So, I’m very grateful for the opportunity I have. There’s no question in my mind that I’m gonna go out there and make a statement, completely dominate him and make sure everybody knows the last fight was a fluke.”
