Chris Weidman had what some consider to be the best year in MMA history in 2013 by taking out one of the greatest fighters of all time, Anderson Silva, not once but twice. But it looks like he might have trouble repeating that feat in 2014.
Fans were aware that Weidman was out for his scheduled title defense against Lyoto Machida due to a knee injury, but now Fox Sports is releasing news that Weidman will be addressing injury concerns with his other knee as well.
"Chris really needs to be healthy for this fight," said Weidman's coach, Ray Longo via the Fox Sports report. "Whatever he was doing outside of the knee was looking good. His weight was phenomenal. He just needs to address this now. It's something he can't risk happening in a fight."
According to the report, Longo said that Weidman's knee popped out twice in the span of a week, and it prompted medical attention. The injury is something Weidman has been dealing with for quite some time, apparently, but it was something the champ put off for as long as he could.
Longo expressed concerns over Weidman having his other knee scoped, in fear that doctors could find something else wrong with the champ after he goes under the knife.
A final decision will be made by Weidman after he consults with his doctor next Monday. Weidman's operation is scheduled for the next day and carries with it a four- to six-week recovery time.
"Maybe that sounds ambitious, but the doctor seems to think it's enough time," Longo said.
If all goes according to plan, Weidman should have enough time to fully recover and get in a full camp before facing Machida at UFC 175 on July 5. But as we've seen in sports plenty of times, nothing is certain. Just ask Domick Cruz, who is still on the shelf after going through injury concerns of his own.
It's also not the first time Weidman has had to get surgery for an injury.
The UFC desperately needs star power to sell pay-per-views, and I envision the promotion will do whatever it takes to get their newfound All-American star on a card during the busy summer season.
