Chris Weidman’s coach Ray Longo discusses the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight.
Since losing the title to Luke Rockhold at UFC 194 in 2015, things have not been the same for Chris Weidman. After losing to Ronaldo Souza at UFC 230 on Saturday via a devastating third-round knockout, the former middleweight champion has now gone 1-4.
Weidman was optimistic ahead of his fight with Jacare, that he even broached the idea of an eventual title run at light heavyweight. Now that he is not even near a shot at the 185-pound title, his team is still on board with the idea of a jump to 205 pounds, but more because it is a sensible move to make.
“I really did think the weight cut went really well, but who knows?” Weidman’s coach Ray Longo said on the Anik & Florian podcast (transcript via MMAjunkie). “The brain is the last place to get the fluid when you rehydrate, so again, maybe 205’s a better fit because I don’t see this ever happening in the gym. Ever.
“So maybe 205 might be a place where he comes in stronger, more coherent. All (of) those things.”
The loss to Jacare led to a 90-day medical suspension for Weidman, the lengthiest amount of time imposed on a fighter who was part of the UFC 230 card.