UFC 210: Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson 2

Chris Weidman To Appeal Loss At UFC 210, Wants Immediate Rematch

Chris Weidman To Appeal Loss At UFC 210, Wants Immediate Rematch

Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman plans to appeal his controversial loss to Gegard Mousasi at UFC 210.

Apr 10, 2017 by FloCombat Staff
Chris Weidman To Appeal Loss At UFC 210, Wants Immediate Rematch
By Shawn Smith

Chris Weidman is none too pleased with the way he lost to Gegard Mousasi in the co-main event at UFC 210 and he’ll be looking to appeal the defeat.

The former middleweight champion feels as though the commission botched their handling of the controversy, which resulted in him suffering his third straight knockout loss.

In the second round, Weidman took a controversial knee to the head while bent over at the waist. The controversy stems from whether Weidman’s hands were touching the mat.

Referee Dan Miragliotta originally called the blow illegal, awarding Weidman a five-minute recovery period. However, a replay showed that Mousasi has lifted Weidman’s fingertips from the mat before releasing the knee strike in question, technically making it a legal strike. After minutes of chaos, the New York State Athletic Commission ruled that Weidman was unfit to continue, thus awarding the bout to Mousasi.

“At the end of the day, what was done is completely not right,” Weidman told Fox Sports 1. “They called the illegal knee. I was told I had five minutes multiple times.”
Weidman added that he plans an immediate rematch and appeal.

“I want to get three rounds with him fair and square,” Weidman said. “I want to finish him. I felt great. What happened just sucks for everybody. I feel bad for everybody that was watching at home and out here.”

Weidman wasn’t the only one displeased with the New York State Athletic Commission. UFC President Dana White, not known for keeping opinions to himself, said that “with the new athletic commission, it’s like we’re in 2001 again,” during the post-fight press conference.

A variety of controversies took place throughout the week, which many are holding the New York State Athletic Commission accountable for. It was originally reported that the commission cancelled a main card bout between Pearl Gonzalez and Cynthia Calvillo after discovering that Gonzalez had breast implants. The bout eventually was approved.

As well, headliner Daniel Cormier originally weighed in over the 205-pound championship limit for his title defense against Anthony Johnson. Weighing in just minutes later, Cormier appeared to lean on a towel as he weighed in at the 205-pound limit.

Whatever fans make of these controversies, it’s clear the New York State Athletic Commission has some work to do if they hope to have the UFC and other leading mixed martial arts promotions continue to put on shows in New York state.