UFC News 2016: Weidman Lauds Referee Who Worked His UFC 195 Fight; Condit Wants Lawler Rematch Before Retiring
Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman was appreciative of veteran mixed martial arts referee Herb Dean and the referee's efforts at UFC 194 last December.
Weidman, who lost via a fourth round technical knockout against current champion Luke Rockhold at the co-main event of the said card, endured a brutal beating in the dying minutes of the third round.
Many people complained about how Dean should have stepped in and stopped the fight then, as Weidman was eating a good number of ground and pound shots from Rockhold, and was already bleeding profusely, as Dean looked on.
In his appearance on the latest episode of MMA Fighting's The MMA Hour, Weidman told host Ariel Helwani that he thought Dean did a good job in not jumping the gun too quickly by putting the fight to a halt.
"I was still fighting back, so I don't think they should've stopped it," Weidman said. "I think Herb Dean did a good job. I understand where people are coming from, I wouldn't have been upset if they did stop it earlier."
The said fight marks Weidman's first loss since turning professional in 2009. He currently holds a win-loss slate of 13-1, with nine victories by stoppage.
Meanwhile, former interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit recently reiterated his plans to finally walk away from the sport.
"The Natural Born Killer" suffered a disappointing defeat in the hands of Robbie Lawler at UFC 195 in early January. Lawler emerged victorious via a narrow split decision verdict, marking his second successful title defense.
Fans praised the fight, which featured an all-out stand-and-bang action. However, Condit says his long-term neurological health holds more importance now, which is making him think about retiring soon.
"I still feel great," Condit said in his appearance at the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. "I think my concern is the long-term neurological stuff."
He also mentioned his intent to face Lawler for one last time, especially since he believes he should be the rightful title-holder.
"I'd like another shot at Robbie. I feel like I should have the belt right now," he said.
