The latest on UFC’s possible scheduling of Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort title fight
DULUTH, Ga. – Although UFC officials have no preference when it comes to its upcoming Las Vegas pay-per-view events, UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman has targeted a specific date for his upcoming title fight with Vitor Belfort.
According to UFC President Dana White, company officials still haven’t decided on a date for the fight, though they previously confirmed it’ll take place in Las Vegas.
The two possibilities are a Memorial Day weekend show on May 24, likely UFC 174, or an Independence Day weekend event on July 5.
Weidman, who recently picked up his second win over ex-champ Anderson Silva to solidify his spot as the No. 1 ranked fighter in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA middleweight rankings, previously told MMAjunkie he prefers the May date. Although feeling healthy, the champ has to get his knee checked out and cleared before the UFC books it.
White, meanwhile, said he’d be content with the fight taking place during either holiday-weekend event, which are traditionally among the biggest of the year for the UFC. Weidman (11-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) vs. Belfort (24-10 MMA, 13-6 UFC), who went 3-0 in 2013 with three “Knockout of the Night†bonuses, will be one of the year’s biggest fights, regardless of when it finally takes place.
“We like both (dates), so we’ll see what happens with him,†White told MMAjunkie after Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 35 event. “But like I said, we’re waiting for that MRI.â€
Weidman recently told MMAjunkie he wanted the May date so he could enjoy his summer with his family – and without the usual training camp, diet and promotional efforts. White said he understands Weidman’s request.
“He wants a real summer,†White said. “He said he wants to have a real summer with his family, and when you live back east, I don’t blame you.â€
