The most likely candidate may be Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, who needed only one round to knock out Vitor Belfort at UFC 198 on Saturday. Fighting in back-to-back months would be something of a Herculean task—199 is just three weeks after 198—but he may be the only middleweight in enough shape to keep the card going on short notice.
Souza, 36, is 6-1 since joining the UFC from Strikeforce. His lone loss came via split decision against Yoel Romero at UFC 194, but Romero tested positive for a banned substance. While Romero’s victory stands in the record books, it’s been tainted enough to not hurt Souza’s standing within the sport.
The UFC’s official rankings have Souza as the second contender for the middleweight crown. It’s uncertain where the promotion would turn if the Brazilian isn’t ready to go.
Either way, it’s a tough blow given how much UFC 199 was riding on this rematch. Weidman had been talking a big game during the pre-fight hype, saying the loss was a “fluke,” per Marc Raimondi of MMA Fighting:
I know what I’m capable of. 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.
The last-minute injury may mean Weidman has to fight his way back to No. 1 contendership. If the injury isn’t serious, UFC President Dana White may have him take a tune-up at UFC 201 on July 30 or UFC 202 in preparation of facing the winner.
It’s just a bad situation all-around for Weidman and the UFC.
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