Big UFC Championship Rematch Announced, Why No Other Fight Took Place
The UFC has been criticized of late for booking too many immediate rematches of late, but the company didn't have much of a choice here. Luke Rockhold vs. Chris Weidman II has been set for UFC 199 in June.
Weidman, who had defended his UFC Middleweight Championship three times, lost the belt to Luke Rockhold at UFC 194 in December in a fantastic fight. UFC President Dana White made the announcement that the rematch would take place while on Garbage Time with Katie Nolan on Wednesday.
The UFC was in an unenviable position, as Yoel Romero was originally set to get the title shot after a controversial victory over Jacare Souze. However, Romero is facing a potential suspension in relation to a possible drug test failure, and was removed from UFC's official rankings.
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UFC's other options include Vitor Belfort, who has failed in his three championship opportunities in recent years, Jacare Souza and Tim Kennedy, who are coming off of losses to Romero, and Lyoto Machida, also coming off of two losses.
Former WWE Champion CM Punk has also been linked to UFC 199, but no official announcement has been made regarding his debut. UFC newcomer Mickey Gall will face Punk if he ends up winning his company debut against Mike Jackson at this weekend's UFC Fight Night.