Chris Weidman surprised Colby Covington called him out: ‘I’m not Dillon Danis … I think I’m going to crush him’

Chris Weidman, a decorated collegiate wrestler and former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight kingpin, has expressed considerable surprise regarding Colby Covington’s recent call-out for a freestyle wrestling match under the RAF banner. The unexpected challenge, scheduled for RAF 9 on May 30, pits Weidman’s formidable wrestling background against Covington’s recent foray into the competitive grappling circuit. Weidman, whose last competitive freestyle wrestling match dates back over 15 years, articulated his astonishment to MMA Fighting, questioning the strategic rationale behind Covington’s decision given their respective wrestling pedigrees.

Covington, a prominent figure in the UFC’s welterweight division who recently announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition, has made a notable impact in his two previous RAF matches. He secured dominant victories over former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and grappling specialist Dillon Danis. However, a crucial distinction, as highlighted by Weidman, is the wrestling background of these opponents. Neither Rockhold nor Danis are primarily recognized for their collegiate wrestling credentials, a stark contrast to Weidman’s extensive and accomplished amateur wrestling career. It was immediately following his triumph over Danis that Covington specifically singled out Weidman as his next desired opponent, a challenge that swiftly led to the booking of their upcoming May 30 encounter.

Weidman’s own wrestling resume is substantial, boasting a two-time NCAA Division I All-American status during his tenure at Hofstra University. He earned 6th place at 197 lbs in 2006 and further improved to 3rd place at the same weight class in 2007. This record signifies a higher collegiate placement and competition at a heavier weight class compared to Covington, who was an NCAA Division I All-American himself, placing 8th at 174 lbs in 2011 while representing Oregon State University. Weidman’s contention is rooted in this perceived disparity, suggesting that Covington may be underestimating the caliber of opponent he has chosen.

Given his superior wrestling accolades and a career spent competing at a significantly heavier weight, Weidman has theorized that Covington’s motivation for issuing the challenge might stem from an assumption of vulnerability. Weidman’s career in mixed martial arts has been punctuated by a staggering 31 surgeries, a testament to the physical toll of his competitive journey. This extensive injury history, Weidman believes, could be leading Covington to perceive him as a physically compromised athlete, ripe for a strategic upset.

Related News :

• Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman boxing match added to Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis undercard
• Tom Aspinall promises revenge on ‘big cheater’ Ciryl Gane, reveals paperwork confirming serious eye injury
• Flyweight Crossroads: Moreno Seeks Redemption on Home Soil at UFC Mexico City
• Volkanovski Endorses Rousey-Carano Comeback, Highlighting Mainstream Appeal and Growth for MMA
• UFC Bantamweight Jacqueline Cavalcanti Assesses Rousey and Carano’s Comeback Readiness, Citing Parity Between MMA Icons

"I think he must think I’m dead or my body has just taken such a beating, which he’s right about that, 31 surgeries and stuff, and I figure he’s trying to take that true All-American status from me," Weidman conveyed to MMA Fighting. Yet, despite acknowledging his physical history, Weidman’s confidence in his core wrestling abilities remains unshaken. He firmly asserted that his wrestling prowess far exceeds that of Covington’s previous RAF opponents, drawing a clear distinction. "But I’m surprised, too. I’m not Dillon Danis. I’m not Luke Rockhold when it comes to wrestling. It’s going to be a big step up for him." Weidman’s analysis implies that Covington’s past RAF successes, while commendable, have not adequately prepared him for an opponent of Weidman’s specific wrestling caliber. This perspective suggests that the upcoming match could present a considerably more formidable challenge for Covington than his prior engagements.

Weidman’s self-assurance extends to a definitive prediction for the outcome of their May 30 clash. "A part of me was super excited because I think I’m going to crush him," he stated, indicating not only his belief in his own capabilities but also a palpable enthusiasm for the contest. However, this excitement is tempered by a degree of skepticism regarding Covington’s long-term commitment to the matchup. Weidman voiced concerns that Covington might ultimately withdraw, referencing a recent incident where Covington appeared to entertain a challenge from Arman Tsarukyan, suggesting Weidman "can wait." "Then the other part of me is like I don’t think he’s stepping in there with me. I’m training as if it’s happening, but I feel like there’s going to be an excuse. Of course, in this last RAF, Arman [Tsarukyan] wins and he calls out Colby, and he’s like ‘Weidman can wait, let’s do this and I’ll beat Arman and then I’ll wrestle Weidman.’ I’m like here he goes. Here he goes, he’s running already," Weidman recounted, signaling his suspicion regarding Covington’s reliability. As of the current reporting, however, the bout remains officially booked, with no indication of a change in the schedule.

The journey back to competitive wrestling for Weidman has been a significant undertaking. His last competitive match in the discipline occurred in 2009, precisely when his burgeoning mixed martial arts career was beginning to take shape. This extended hiatus, spanning over a decade and a half, makes his return particularly noteworthy. Weidman’s recent competitive aspirations were also thwarted by injury; he had initially signed on for a boxing match against his storied rival, Anderson Silva, but a torn bicep muscle during preparation forced his withdrawal. This incident underscores the physical demands of his continued athletic pursuits.

Despite the lengthy absence from the wrestling mats and recent injury setbacks, the former UFC middleweight champion, who is slated for induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2026, has expressed genuine surprise at the enduring quality of his wrestling skills. Weidman noted that his natural aptitude for the sport appears largely undiminished. "I still kind of have it," Weidman reflected, detailing his experience returning to the wrestling room. "I go down to the wrestling room and the first day of me getting back to wrestling since my bicep tendon surgery, and even before that, I hadn’t wrestled in forever, I was like I’m going to start with the high school heavyweight kid. He’s big and strong but he’s a high school kid so can’t get hurt, just work on my stuff, knock some rust off."

However, his initial cautious approach quickly evolved. "Of course, it’s a day where all the college kids were in town during spring break or whatever and they all want to wrestle me. They start asking me and they were smaller than me. They can’t take me down. I was beating them up a little bit. So I still somehow have it. I don’t even know how. It’s actually fascinating to me that I somehow still can wrestle at a high level," he explained, indicating a level of performance that exceeded his own expectations after such a long break. This unexpected retention of skill sets the stage for a compelling return against an opponent of Covington’s caliber.

While Weidman has indicated that a full-time return to mixed martial arts is unlikely unless exceptionally lucrative opportunities arise, the realm of competitive wrestling offers a fitting avenue for him to remain active as an elite athlete. The RAF platform, which has gained traction for showcasing high-profile grappling matches involving figures from the MMA world, provides an ideal stage for this next chapter of his career.

Weidman is clearly eager to secure his first victory in the RAF against Covington, a win he believes will open doors to a host of other intriguing matchups. His gaze is already fixed on a potential roster of future opponents, including several prominent figures within the UFC middleweight division, signaling his intent for a sustained presence in the grappling scene. "I always get asked ‘how would you have done with Khamzat when you were in your prime?’ So that would be a fun one," Weidman mused, alluding to a potential clash with rising UFC star Khamzat Chimaev, known for his dominant wrestling. Another highly anticipated matchup could involve Bo Nickal, a prodigious wrestler and surging UFC prospect.

Weidman also expressed interest in a rematch with former UFC rival Luke Rockhold, albeit under wrestling rules. "Luke Rockhold, get some revenge on him. I’d like to throw him around a little bit," he stated, recalling their past MMA encounters. Furthermore, Weidman eyes redemption against grappling specialist Pat Downey, against whom he suffered a loss in a previous grappling event under a unique rule set. "Pat Downey, I lost to him in that grappling match but it was kind of stupid. There was no points in the first 10 minutes and then there was a two-minute overtime and if nobody scores, it was a draw. I took him down twice in the 10 minute [round] or maybe it was seven minutes… when we got to that two-minute overtime, I’m like I’m not going to a draw. So I went for a belly-to-belly suplex I hit on him earlier and I landed on my own damn back and he beat me. I think I’d beat him in wrestling, too," Weidman recounted, clearly keen to rectify that outcome. However, he concluded with a clear prioritization: "I’ve got to beat up Colby first."

The impending clash between Weidman and Covington at RAF 9 on May 30 represents a compelling encounter between two athletes with distinguished, albeit distinct, wrestling and MMA legacies. It promises to be a rigorous test for both men, with Weidman’s seasoned collegiate wrestling background facing Covington’s aggressive, pressure-heavy style honed in the octagon and recently adapted for the RAF stage. The outcome will undoubtedly carry significant implications for the future trajectories of both fighters within the burgeoning world of professional grappling.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Ali Akbar Rosady

Latest entries

• MMAMay 24, 2026UFC 328 Title Clash: Chimaev and Strickland Set for Middleweight Showdown in Newark
• MMAMay 24, 2026Chris Weidman surprised Colby Covington called him out: ‘I’m not Dillon Danis … I think I’m going to crush him’
• MMAMay 24, 2026Trailblazers Collide: Rousey vs. Carano Headlines Netflix’s Monumental MMA Debut at Intuit Dome This Saturday.
• MMAMay 24, 2026Former NFL Quarterback Johnny Manziel Delivers Swift First-Round Stoppage Against Bob Menery at Brand Risk 14