Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman did not have an eventful return to the Octagon at UFC 292. He lost his comeback fight against Brad Tavares via a unanimous decision. It was not the result he was hoping for. However, both fighters shared a moment of embrace backstage after the prelims battle. Moreover, the fans have shared their reactions after seeing him in a wheelchair.

Weidman returned after a two-year break due to his severe leg injury suffered at UFC 261. The former middleweight champion showed signs of ring rust, and Tavares was able to land some powerful leg kicks in the early stages of the fight. ‘The All-American’ lost the fight, but didn’t show any signs of hatred or hostility towards his opponent.

Chris Weidman was seen backstage in a wheelchair, his left leg showing substantial bruising and his right leg having recently undergone surgery and now wrapped. Brad Tavares, who experienced a victorious comeback after two consecutive losses at UFC 292, aided Weidman out of the wheelchair in order to take some photos.

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The gesture from Tavares evoked an emotional response from the former champion, who was once again unsuccessful in grabbing the victory inside the Octagon. Chris Weidman promised to shock the world after getting placed in the prelims on his return. However, he could not grab the win but got the fans concerned about his well-being. Let us take a look at what the fans had to say.

Fans voice concerns regarding the health of Chris Weidman

The fans seem to love ‘The All-American’. They praised him for embracing his opponent backstage after the fight.

They believe that the sport of MMA is all about respect.

However, they didn’t like seeing him in a wheelchair after the fight. They have urged him to stay strong.

Some fans have even asked Weidman to consider retirement. Besides, they believe that he has nothing left to prove.

One fan praised both fighters. Moreover, he mentioned that, regardless of the outcome, Chris Weidman looked good on his return.

But most people did not like to see the former champion get hurt again.

All in all, in the end, both fighters garnered a lot of respect from the fans.

Weidman’s return was anything but disappointing, demonstrating incredible fortitude to stay standing while trading shots with Brad Tavares. The latter’s unyielding offense earned him the unanimous decision victory because of his successful attack on Weidman’s lower body. It will be interesting to see how the ‘All-American’ responds to this setback.

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