“I’ve got to focus on Luke, and the winner of ‘Jacare’-Romero. And then after that, we’ll start talking about Jon Jones, and 205 [lbs], and anyone who is good, up there… I’m going to say that my future does eventually take me to 205 [lbs]. Not because of weight-cutting at middleweight, but just because I think I’m running out of guys to beat at middleweight. Some of the tougher challenges are probably going to be done, soon… I’m thinking first, second, or third [to finish Rockhold]. I’m thinking that in the first three rounds, it will be finished.”
-During a Periscope broadcast, UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman talks about a future move to light heavyweight, and how quickly he expects to beat Luke Rockhold at UFC 194 (transcribed by FoxSports.com).
Penick’s Analysis: Contrast this with Rockhold’s prediction for the fight, and we should expect some fireworks in Las Vegas on Dec. 12. Like I commented yesterday, this is one of the many things that makes this fight so great. Both have absolute confidence in their abilities and believe entirely that they’re going to finish the other the way they’ve said they will. There’s no posturing, no covering for insecurity or deficiency with bravado, just two great fighters who know they’re great fighters. That’s going to make for an excellent showdown on Dec. 12. As to a future light heavyweight move, if Weidman beats Rockhold and then the Jacare-Romero winner, it’s hard to find a name that makes sense at middleweight for his next challenge. By contrast, a run at light heavyweight brings a new big name to that division, and a lot of interesting matchups.
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