Chris Weidman, who endured a lengthy recovery from a severe leg injury in 2021, expressed skepticism about Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson’s optimistic timeline for returning to play after a similar injury, emphasizing the challenges of recovering from such trauma.
When Chris Weidman snapped his leg in 2021, he couldn’t have foreseen the grueling journey ahead. It took over two years and a staggering 14 surgeries to return to the octagon. Imagine that!
Fast forward, and he’s back in action. But he’d never wish his ordeal on anyone else. It’s a rare injury, thankfully. Yet, Detroit Lions’ star Aidan Hutchinson found himself in a similar predicament when his leg gave way during a game.
Hutchinson’s fibula and tibia broke, requiring immediate surgery. Initially sidelined for six to eight months, there was hope he might return sooner if the Lions reached the Super Bowl on Feb. 9. Four months between injury and football? Seems optimistic.
Weidman knows firsthand the challenges of such recovery. “That’s not happening,” he told MMA Fighting about Hutchinson’s potential return this season. He hasn’t seen the X-rays or surgical details but understands the struggle all too well.
Reflecting on his own experience, Weidman shared, “It was the hardest thing I’ve been through.” Over two years passed before he fought again—April 2021 to August 2023. Not exactly a fun ride.
Reports suggest Hutchinson’s clean break, without nerve or ligament damage, aids his recovery timeline. Plus, proximity to Baylor University Medical Center allowed for swift surgical intervention by Dr. Alan Jones—a top expert in these injuries.
Still, Weidman hesitates to compare their recoveries due to differing injury specifics. “Every injury’s different,” he explained. Factors like muscle involvement or nerve impact can alter recovery paths significantly.
Whether Hutchinson attempts a comeback this season hinges on many variables, including the Lions’ playoff success. Sitting at 8-1, they could secure home-field advantage with a No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Should the Lions make it to the Super Bowl, Hutchinson’s return would be astonishing—a medical marvel even! But Weidman knows firsthand how demanding such a comeback would be.
Both fighting and football are brutal sports demanding much from athletes’ bodies post-injury. Weidman hopes Hutchinson receives extra help in his recovery—perhaps making that Super Bowl appearance possible.
“It’s very physical,” Weidman noted. “You’ve got to explode off of it.” He tried everything to hasten his own recovery. If performance enhancers were an option? “I think that’s smart,” he mused—though doing it naturally is tough as nails!