By Daniel Vreeland

Chris Weidman spent an incalculable amount of time working to get MMA sanctioned in his home state of New York. While he reigned as UFC middleweight champion, he met with politicians and campaigned online to make New York the 50th state to sanction the sport. Shortly after dropping his title to Luke Rockhold, Chris got his wish; legalization.

However, his first two bouts in his home state ended in less than ideal fashion, being knocked out in both tries. The first to a Yoel Romero comeback flying knee at UFC 205. He then followed up that performance with a semi-controversial knee from Gegard Mousasi, also leading to a confusing stoppage.

On Saturday night in Long Island, Weidman got his third chance to bring the home crowd to their feet and it spelled redemption.

The round started with Weidman maintaining distance during the feeling out process. Using a front kick he kept Gastelum away until he felt comfortable enough to shoot a takedown. While he initially finished it, Gastelum worked to his feet only to be ripped down again, this time into side control. Weidman managed to set up a fairly deep kimura attempt, but it created a window for Gastelum to stand. With little to go in the round, Gastelum landed a big shot that dropped Weidman who was seemingly saved by the bell.

Weidman appeared to have recovered in between rounds and came out looking fresh for the second. Weidman wobbled Gastelum with a straight right and then went right to the clinch. After dumping Gastelum, he spent the rest of the round on top working from back and guard, landing shot.

The third began with fireworks on the feet, with both men stunning the other. But when Weidman had had enough of that, he returned to where he was most successful. After dragging Gastelum down again, he worked again to the back where he transitioned to an arm triangle choke for the finish.

The fight puts him back in the win column for the first time in four fights.

UFC on Fox 25 Results:

Darren Elkins def. Dennis Bermudez via split decision
Patrick Cummins def. Gian Villante via split decision
Jimmie Rivera def. Thomas Almeida via unanimous decision
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Lyman Good via split decision
Eryk Anders def. Rafael Natal via KO (punches) Rd 1
Alex Oliveira def. Ryan LaFlare via KO (punch) Rd 2
Chase Sherman def. Damian Grabowski via unanimous decision
Jeremy Kennedy def. Kyle Bochniak via unanimous decision
Marlon Vera def. Brian Kelleher via submission (armbar) Rd 1
Junior Albini def. Tim Johnson via TKO (punches) Rd 1
Shane Burgos def. Godofredo Pepey via unanimous decision
Chris Wade def. Frankie Perez via unanimous decision

FloCombat's hottest content, delivered to your inbox

Don't miss breaking news, feature stories, event updates, and more. Sign up for the FloCombat mailing list today.