Weidman On Romero's Cage-Night Transformation

Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman says Yoel Romero looked like a different fighter between the weigh-in and their cage meeting at UFC 205.

Weidman brought up the 2016 encounter during an episode of the Deep Waters podcast with Din Thomas, Jorge Masvidal, and Dustin Poirier, per MMA Fighting. The group discussed weight cutting and its impact on fight-night performance when Weidman described his reaction to seeing Romero across the cage.

Poirier Shares Similar Experience With Makhachev

Poirier recalled a comparable moment before his lightweight title challenge against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Makhachev had struggled through the weigh-in, requiring assistance from his team, but appeared transformed by fight time. Poirier said he noticed vascularity in Makhachev's shoulders under the lights and was taken aback by the change. Makhachev later moved up to welterweight and currently holds that division's title.

Thomas argued that severe weight cuts can work against larger fighters, suggesting opponents should view the rehydration process as creating vulnerability rather than size advantage. Weidman countered that fighters shouldn't feel relief at a depleted weigh-in appearance, because the overnight transformation can be dramatic.

Romero stopped Weidman in the third round of their middleweight contest, one of several knockout victories built on his imposing physique and explosive power at 185 pounds.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Chris Weidman, Dustin Poirier recall opponents’ dramatic change from weigh-in to fight night: ‘Who the f*ck is this guy?’