Chris Weidman suffered one of the worst injuries in MMA history at UFC 261 on Saturday night, but he is now on the mend.
The American middleweight, 36, broke his leg after just 17 seconds of his bout with Uriah Hall when he attempted to throw the first strike.
Upon impact, Weidman’s leg snapped and he crumbled back with the entire crowd at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville aghast at what had happened.
The fight was immediately called off and opponent Hall awarded the victor as the medics got into the octagon and went to work on Weidman.
He was stretchered out of the octagon and taken to a local medical facility, but he still bravely gave the cheering audience a thumbs up to let them know he was OK.
After the bout, Hall was stunned. As Joe Rogan tried to interview the Jamaican-American, Hall was visibly shaken by what had transpired.
The terrible irony here is Weidman was the man in the octagon when Anderson Silva suffered a horror leg break in 2013.
Weidman was the first man to defeat Silva and Hall was the last in his legendary UFC career. Furthermore, Weidman was the first man to defeat Hall back in 2010.
It was poetic they made their way back to each other at UFC 261, but tragedy struck in just 17 seconds as Weidman’s right leg buckled.
Weidman was fighting for his UFC future in the eyes of some already.
Hopefully he can recover fully from this sickening injury and get another chance, should he want to.
Hall has already said he will certainly give Weidman another fight if he does make a comeback.
Weidman’s wife posted a positive update on social media on Sunday, sharing a picture of her husband smiling in his hospital bed and revealing he had undergone successful surgery.
“Well that was horrible,” began her message.
“Freak things happen in life and plans get crushed. It’s been a lonnnggg day but so happy to finally see this man of mine post surgery.
“Everything went well thank you Lord! Very thankful for the medical staff, UFC family @danawhite @reedharrisufc #allieraimondo, our management team @vaynersports @sarahzemonek and our family and friends here rallying to help with the kids.
“My heart breaks for my husband because I know the work and dedication that he puts into his training everyday and the great man that he is, so I only want the best for him.
“While this absolutely sucks in the moment and for some weeks to come, we are completely overwhelmed by the love and support we have far and wide and are very aware how blessed we are. All of that overpowers the awfulness of this situation.
“We are blown away by our friends and family offering to hop on flights to come help us without hesitation. We are so grateful and love you all!!
“It’s been a crazy year so far but us Weidmans are a force and covered in Grace and Mercy everyday! We were reminded this year how precious each day is and I am so thankful to be spending another day on earth next to my love even if it’s in a hospital room far from home. #teamweidman “
