Former champ Chris Weidman draws Eryk Anders matchup for UFC return on Nov. 16
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman will attempt to achieve his first winning streak in nearly 10 years when he takes on Eryk Anders this fall.
Weidman (16-7 MMA, 12-7 UFC) will compete for the third time since gruesomely breaking his leg in April 2021 when he clashes with fellow divisional veteran Anders (16-7 MMA, 8-8 UFC) on Nov. 16. Although nothing is official, that date is earmarked for UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
MMA Junkie confirmed the booking with a person close to the situation after Anders’ team at Iridium Sport Agency announced it over social media on Wednesday (via X).
#TeamIridium News
Our man @erykanders is prepared to earn his 9th @ufc victory vs. Chris Weidman on Nov. 16 #TheDarkside pic.twitter.com/MrJbXcdG30
— IridiumSportsAgency (@TeamIridiumISA) August 7, 2024
Weidman, 40, lost his comeback fight after his leg break by unanimous decision against Brad Tavares at UFC 292 in August. Despite pleas from UFC CEO Dana White to retire, Weidman returned in May and picked up a technical decision win over Bruno Silva that was marred with controversy due to eye pokes. Now Weidman will attempt to get consecutive wins on his resume for the first time since May 2015.
Looking to stop that, however, is the hard-hitting Anders, 37, who is 2-3 in his past five fights but is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Jamie Pickett at UFC Fight Night 238 in March.