Weidman says he's light as a welterweight, ahead of UFC 194
Middleweight UFC champion Chris Weidman has enjoyed a size advantage over most of his opponents because, well, he's a big guy. At least, he used to be.
"I'm more like a 170-pounder," Weidman recently told MMA Junkie Radio.
"I weigh like 192, 193 [pounds] in the morning. I've got my weight down really low for this one."
Weidman is a couple weeks away from defending his belt against Luke Rockhold, in Las Vegas. To put in perspective just how light Weidman is, right now, let's remember that he's said he had to drop about 30 pounds in a few days to compete against Demian Maia on short notice a few years ago.
Weidman will have to make 185 pounds the day before his UFC 194 title bout, and seven or eight pounds is likely just a couple hours in a sauna and a light jog for the champ. If Weidman is telling the truth, he isn't just a lot lighter, heading into this bout — he'd also likely be one of the lightest middleweights in the entire UFC.
Weidman claims that giving up drinking and eating better since his last bout have made it easier for him to stay trim. "I really didn't get out of shape between fights, and it kept my weight down low," he explained.
"I've been just living a healthy lifestyle. I don't drink anymore, so I think that keeps the weight down, too."
It may not have been easy, but Weidman said that it was worth it. "I don't mind making sacrifices," he concluded.
"I've missed Christmases aand Thanksgivings from my wrestling days to my fighting days. It's part of the sport, and it motivates me."
