Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold were expected to rematch in the co-headliner of next month’s UFC 230 event in New York City.

Unfortunately for fight fans, the key middleweight bout was recently cancelled after Luke Rockhold was forced to withdraw due to injuries.

Thankfully, Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza, who was already slated to compete at the November 3 event, has agreed to take replace Luke Rockhold against Chris Weidman at UFC 230.

Despite their heated rivalry, Chris Weidman was all class when responding to the news of “Rocky’s” injuries.

I was really looking forward to fighting Luke in this rematch but unfortunately it wasn’t in the cards this time around. This is a tough sport. I’m hoping and praying Luke makes a quick recovery and returns to good health.

— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) October 20, 2018

“I was really looking forward to fighting Luke in this rematch but unfortunately it wasn’t in the cards this time around. This is a tough sport. I’m hoping and praying Luke makes a quick recovery and returns to good health.” – Chris Weidman

Chris Weidman was last seen in action at UFC on FOX 25 in July of 2017, where he defeated Kelvin Gastelum via third-round submission.

Prior to that victory, the “All American” had suffered three knockout losses in a row to opponents Luke Rockhold, Yoel Romero and Gegard Mousasi.

Meanwhile, “Jacare” Souza was most recently seen in action at UFC 224 against Kelvin Gastelum, a fight he lost via split-decision.

Souza enters his UFC 230 fight with Chris Weidman having gone 3-2 over his past five fights. During that time he has scored wins over Vitor Belfort, Tim Boetsch and Derek Brunson.

As for former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, “Rocky” was has not competed since February’s UFC 221 event in Perth, where he suffered a devastating third-round knockout loss at the hands of Yoel Romero.

Who are you picking to win UFC 230’s new co-main event between Chris Weidman and Ronaldo Souza? Sound off in the comments section PENN Nation!