The Light Heavyweight Matchup Will Take Place In Boston On October 18!
Chris Weidman has had a really disappointing series of recent fights of which he lost four of his last five matchups (2 KOs and 2 TKOs).
But somehow, a matchup was confirmed today against undefeated Dominick Reyes on October 19, according to Brett Okamoto. This news came after Ariel Helwani spoke of the possibility of the fight earlier today as the matchup was not confirmed as of yet.
Here are the Tweets from Helwani…
There’s talks about booking Chris Weidman vs. Dominick Reyes on Oct. 19 in Boston, sources say. Not finalized yet, though. The fight would mark Weidman’s light heavyweight debut. There are still a couple hurdles left before booking it.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 23, 2019
Reyes has a case for the Jones fight next, and Jones wants to return on Dec. 14. There are new pending legal issues to deal with, of course, but that’s what he wants. Corey Anderson is currently in the running for that one but this is all very much in the prelim phase.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 23, 2019
The second Tweet from Helwani implied that Reyes was a potential contender for a fight with light heavyweight champion Jon Jones next. However, after Jones’ night club incident, and it’s no telling how that situation will unfold.
I agree and I want Jones, but if they want me to take Weidmans head to prove I am the one, I'd be more than happy! #proveit #devastator
— Dominick Reyes (@DomReyes) July 23, 2019
But Reyes responded to Helwani on Twitter agreeing that he should get to fight Jones next… and he explained he’d be willing to “take Weidman’s head” to prove he deserves the super matchup.
“I agree and I want Jones, but if they want me to take Weidmans head to prove I am the one, I’d be more than happy!”
Well, now he’ll get a chance to do so, but Weidman doesn’t seem to think Reyes deserves a title shot after his last fight which was a “controversial” split decision.
“Did you forget you had a controversial split decision win your last fight? You think u would deserve a title shot? And about taking my head I look forward to making you humble.”
Did you forget you had a controversial split decision win your last fight? You think u would deserve a title shot ? And about taking my head I look forward to making you humble. https://t.co/GHva7RY2Z9
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) July 23, 2019
But then Reyes came back, bringing up Weidman’s last four poor performances in the middleweight division…
“Did you forget your last 4 at middleweight!? Controversial or not a win is a win. In fact, It gave YOU this opportunity so I’ll just have my best performance against you (ex-champion). Then there will be no debate I am The 1. Don’t confuse confidence with arrogance Chris.”
Did you forget your last 4 at middleweight!? Controversial or not a win is a win. In fact, It gave YOU this opportunity so I'll just have my best performance against you (ex-champion). Then there will be no debate I am The 1. Don't confuse confidence with arrogance Chris. #mytime https://t.co/gkyzQecJkC
— Dominick Reyes (@DomReyes) July 23, 2019
Weidman replied…
“I have more UFC world title belts then you have UfC finishes. See you in Boston, Devastator.”
I have more UFC world title belts then you have UfC finishes. See you in Boston, Devastator. https://t.co/sLSYgznYHy
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) July 23, 2019
And Reyes couldn’t say much about that…
“Very true! You’ve had your time, and It’s gonna be an honor competing against you. Have a great camp, I’ll see you in Boston,”
Very true! You've had your time, and It's gonna be an honor competing against you. Have a great camp, I'll see you in Boston! #passingthetorch #ufcboston https://t.co/kF1erSDI3L
— Dominick Reyes (@DomReyes) July 23, 2019
But the UFC Boston fight has apparently been confirmed for October 18 and it’ll be a crucial matchup for both. Weidman might not be able to afford another loss and Reyes has his eyes set on Jon Jones.
Who’s your pick for this fight?