It seems we may have knowledge of the first New York native to get a spot on UFC 205. Sources in the organization have told MMAJunkie that, while not official, a bout agreement has been finalized pitting former middleweight champion Chris Weidman vs. Yoel Romero.
The November event takes place in heart of New York City, at Madison Square Garden. The event will be the companies first in the state. After legalization of the sport was passed by state legislators earlier this year. Weidman has made it well known that he desired to be on this possible card. Ever since legalization had gained steam in the last few years. This will be the Long Island, New York residents’ first bout since he relinquished the title to former champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 194, in December of last year.
Weidman vs. Romero is Possibly on Tap for UFC 205
“All-American’s” opponent is also a man coming off of a long lay-off. While Weidman was stuck on the sidelines due to injuries, Romero will be making is return to the octagon after a six-month suspension. In his last bout, also at UFC 194 (small world), Romero defeated Ronaldo Souza via split-decision. He then tested “positive for the banned substance Ibutamoren”, and he was promptly suspended from action by USADA.
The 2000 Olympic silver medalist is on a seven-fight winning streak, and is undefeated in the UFC. Before his suspension he seemed a likely foe for then champion Rockhold. Weidman will be looking to bounce back from the only loss of his career. A win here could catapult him back into title contention. The winner is likely to be next in line for a title shot. Since this will be a match-up between the second, and fourth ranked fighters in the middleweight division, respectively.
UFC 205 happens on November 12, and plans have long been to have a stacked card for the promotions first ever New York event.
