Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman is making a quick comeback to combat sports, only a few months after announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts.
Weidman had initially planned an MMA return against his old UFC middleweight rival, Luke Rockhold, under the Global Fight League (GFL) banner. However, reports of GFL canceling numerous events and the promotion`s uncertain future led Weidman to explore other competition avenues.
Weidman previously retired from MMA after his loss to Eryk Anders at UFC 310 in December. Despite this, he was scheduled for a cage return in the GFL for a long-awaited rematch with Rockhold.
Since then, GFL has reportedly canceled a series of bouts, such as Dillon Danis vs. Tony Ferguson, for reasons not publicly stated. This situation compelled fighters like Weidman to look for alternative opportunities while GFL`s status remains in limbo.
Chris Weidman vs. Pat Downey Match Set for Fury Pro Grappling 13
Weidman is now slated to compete in a grappling match at Fury Pro Grappling 13 against Pat Downey, a former Bellator athlete, on May 23rd in Atlantic City. Downey is making a grappling return following a five-year ban from IBJJF due to an altercation at the 2024 World NoGi Championships.
Downey`s recent grappling success includes a decision win over UFC middleweight Andre Petroski at Fury Pro Grappling 12 in December. Prior to that, he had mixed results in grappling matches against Luke Rockhold and Adam Bradley.
Weidman is stepping back into professional grappling competition after a two-year break, his last grappling match being a loss to Owen Livesey at Polaris 23. Following that, he returned to the UFC at UFC 292, where he lost to Brad Tavares by unanimous decision before securing a controversial victory over Bruno Silva.
The complete fight card for Fury Pro Grappling 13 is anticipated to be announced soon.
Chris Weidman Steps Back into Action After Announcing UFC Retirement
Weidman, considered a strong candidate for the UFC Hall of Fame, aims to regain the peak physical condition that fueled his memorable UFC victories against fighters like Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, and Lyoto Machida.
Known for his dangerous grappling, Weidman was an NCAA Division I All-American wrestler and possesses elite ground skills. In the UFC, he secured submissions against notable opponents including Tom Lawlor and Kelvin Gastelum.
A potential return to MMA for Weidman remains possible in the future, independent of GFL`s situation. For now, his focus is on making a significant impact in his upcoming professional grappling appearance.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley