Chris Weidman breaks silence on tough knockout loss to ‘Jacare’

On Saturday night, in the co-main event of UFC 230, former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman stepped into the cage with former Strikeforce middleweight king and BJJ legend Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. Weidman was originally expected to rematch Luke Rockhold on the card, but when Rockhold was forced out of the fight with an injury, he was reassigned to this fight with Jacare.

Given that fans have been dying to see Weidman fight Jacare for years, there was not a lot in the way of disappointment when this short-notice matchup was announced. In the end, however, it would not go the way Weidman planned. After two wild rounds that featured several thrilling momentum shifts, the former UFC champ was put down by a thunderous punch that left him supine on the canvas.

On Sunday afternoon, Chris Weidman took to social media to issue a quick statement on the fight.

See it below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpxRMGQhSiU/

“Unfortunately last night didn’t workout for me,” he said in his post. “Congrats to Jacare & his family & team on a amazing win. He is a true warrior & it was an honor to share the octagon with him. Thanks to everyone for the support, love & prayers. I appreciate it all. I will be back better from this!”

Jacare also issued a classy post-fight statement on his war with Chris Weidman.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpv6RxkFwWt/

“I hope you well champion I am your big fan and thank you for giving me the opportunity to fight you,” Jacare said in his post, which featured the same image as Weidman’s post.

With his loss to Jacare, Chris Weidman fell to 14-4 overall, and 1-4 in his last 5.

What do you think the future holds for the former champ after UFC 230?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 11/4/2018.