Earlier this week, rumors began to swirl that former middleweight champion Chris Weidman would be taking on Yoel Romero at UFC 205 in NYC this November 12. When Romero posted a photo of himself signing a contract (which he has since deleted), these rumors only gained credibility.

On the latest episode of Jon Anik and Kenny Florian’s podcast, Weidman’s coach, Ray Longo, added even more gas to the fire, stating that Weidman would be part of the UFC 205 lineup, and that his opponent could be Romero. The famed coach also added, however, that Weidman’s opponent could be Brazilian jiu jitsu specialist Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.

“He will be at [Madison Square Garden,” Longo confirmed on the show. “I will say this, [his opponent will be] either “Jacare” or Yoel Romero.” 

This, of course, rules out a rematch between Weidman and Luke Rockhold, the man Weidman lost the title to in his last bout, which occurred almost a year ago in the co-main event of UFC 194. Given Rockhold’s current sojourn in the modelling world, however, this is not especially surprising.

If Weidman gets Romero in NYC, he’ll face a former Olympian on a seven-fight streak that includes triumphs over Tim Kennedy, Lyoto Machida and Jacare – though the latter win was marred by a SNAFU with USADA, the UFC’s anti-doping partner.

In Jacare, meanwhile, Weidman would take on one of the game’s very best submission specialists – and a fighter who backs up his grappling pedigree with incredible punching power. Currently, Jacare is 9-1 in his last 10 – the aforementioned loss to Romero being his only hiccup in that stretch.

Whoever Weidman fights at UFC 205, fans will be happy to learn that he will be on the card. The former champion is, after all, one of the very best fighters to emerge from The Empire State.

Who do you want Weidman to take on in his native New York this November? Would you prefer a bout with Yoel Romero or Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza? Sound off, PENN nation!