Ahead of UFC 292, there are concerns that Chris Weidman’s repaired leg could be reaggravated, according to his longtime coach.
This weekend, Weidman will make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon after a lengthy rehabilitation process following a broken leg suffered in a fight against Uriah Hall at UFC 261.
Once considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Weidman has the opportunity to showcase his skillset against Brad Tavares. Though he may be in hostile territory in Boston, he is expected to receive a warm reception from the crowd.
With many uncertainties surrounding Weidman’s comeback, his coach, Ray Longo, is nervous about the possibility of a repeat injury.
Coach Ray Longo Expresses Concern for Chris Weidman’s Return
In an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Ray Longo openly expressed his anxiety regarding Weidman’s comeback.
Longo admitted, “I’m a little nervous. I’m nervous about the injury because if he fights the way he wants to, he plans to go all out, and that could potentially cause harm to his leg. It would devastate me if he injured it again.
“Supposedly, his leg is now like a bionic leg. He tested it out in the gym, not going shin to shin but against the heavy bag, and it held up. He used to be a fierce leg kicker in the past, although he didn’t get to display it much in the UFC. However, he has dropped many opponents with leg kicks during training sessions. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried; that’s my only concern.”
Before the leg injury, Weidman secured a victory against Omari Akhmedov in August 2020. Prior to that, he suffered consecutive losses to Dominick Reyes and Ronaldo Souza.
Weidman has a lot to prove at UFC 292, and Longo will be by his side regardless of the outcome. Nonetheless, Longo’s primary focus is ensuring his star student’s long-term health following one of the most severe leg injuries in UFC history.
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