Chris Weidman was on the receiving end of a horrific leg break on Saturday night just seconds into his rematch with Uriah Hall at UFC 261.
If anyone could relate to what “The All American” was going through, it’s Anderson Silva. The former UFC middleweight champion infamously broke his leg in very similar circumstances against Weidman at UFC 168 in December, 2013.
It was probably the strangest “full circle” moment we’ve ever seen in mixed martial arts.
Like with Silva, Weidman broke his leg on impact when his low kick was checked by Hall, before stepping back onto it. Understandably, Weidman hollered out in pain and the fight was immediately called off and he was later transported out of the Octagon on a stretcher.
“The Spider” sent a message of support to his two-time opponent in the aftermath of the fight after viewing the distressing scenes.
“My deepest and most sincere sentiments champ,” Silva wrote on an Instagram post. “Have faith, I wish you a speedy recovery.
“In this moment I wish you and your family light, love and knowledge. To the fans of the sport, please respect this moment of this incredible warrior and let’s wish that he is 100% very recovered soon. May God bless you and your family [Chris Weidman].”
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Silva ended his long tenure with the UFC after suffering a TKO loss to Hall on 31 October, 2020. Another strange wrinkle to this story.
Fighters Only wishes Chris Weidman a speedy recovery from his injury.