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Former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman Retires at Age 40

Jan 17, 2025, 07:41 PM

Chris Weidman, the former UFC middleweight champion, has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) at the age of 40. The announcement was made during the UFC 311 weigh-in show on Friday. Weidman, known as 'The All-American,' expressed gratitude towards the UFC and its staff for the opportunities provided over his 14-year career. He highlighted his journey from aspiring to be a UFC fighter in 2009 to achieving the status of a world champion. Weidman's career included a notable victory over Anderson Silva in 2013, which ended Silva's long reign as champion, and three successful title defenses against Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, and in a rematch against Silva. His professional record stands at 16-8, with his last fight being a TKO loss to Eryk Anders at UFC 310 in December 2024. Throughout his career, Weidman underwent 30 surgeries, reflecting the physical toll of his sport. While retiring from the UFC, where he debuted in 2011, Weidman left open the possibility of competing in other promotions or events, indicating a new chapter in his life.