‘Will Weidman’s Chin Hold Up?’

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

In four of Chris Weidman’s last five outings, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champion has been knocked out, three of which came consecutively by some of the hardest-hitting 185-pounders in the game today.

So you can’t blame some for thinking “All American’s” chin won’t hold up like it used after getting hit with one powerful shot after another. Among the people who don’t believe Chris’s chin is as strong as it used to be is Dominick Reyes, who will face Weidman this Friday night (Oct. 18, 2019) at UFC on ESPN 6 in Boston, Mass.

“That’s the question we all have. Will his chin hold up? I don’t think it will,” Reyes said (transcript via MMAJunkie). “He’s been in some real wars, man – a lot of wars. These fights aren’t just like quick fights. He’s not getting quick knockouts.”

Aside from getting slept by hard strikes, Reyes says it’s alarming that “All American” was taking heavy shots prior to the final blows landing, which only damages his chin that much more. And since he believes that is now a major weakness in his foe, Reyes look to capitalize.

“He’s fighting, he’s bleeding, he’s getting shots. Every shot takes a little bit off your energy bar. … He’s getting knocked out, so I’m going to capitalize on that.”

Furthermore, the upcoming showdown against Reyes will be Weidman’s Light Heavyweight debut, which means he will be dealing with a fighter who is a bit stronger and packs more power in his hands.

That said, Chris is confident he still has the chops — and chin — to take on the best, which is why he has no qualms in setting his sights on the biggest dog in the yard.