Chris Weidman (Las Vegas Weekly)

You made the right move, UFC. But with this opponent?

During the UFC’s Summer Kickoff press conference Friday, the promotion announced the headliner for UFC on FOX 25. Long Island native and former champion Chris Weidman is set to face Kelvin Gastelum in the main event. The card will take place at the newly renovated Nassau Coliseum on July 22.

Weidman (13-3) is on a three-fight losing streak since losing the belt to Luke Rockhold in 2015. His most recent was a controversal loss to Gegard Mousasi at UFC 210 in Buffalo in April. While it seemed both Mousasi and the former champion were on board for a rematch, UFC President Dana White did not feel the same. White said in a post-fight interview he did not feel a rematch was needed. 

At the press conference, Weidman told the media that Mousasi had not signed the bout agreement for a rematch in July, so he was given Gastelum. 

Gastelum (13-2-1) is currently on a suspension after his bout with Vitor Belfort in March. Originally, Gastelum had won with a first round TKO victory over Belfort. The win was overturned once he tested positive for marijuana. 

Weidman is the third LI fighter to get a spot at UFC on FOX 25, including his best friend Gian Villante.