Chris Curtis TKO Loss Sparks Debate Over Next Move
#Chris Curtis is contemplating a move to welterweight after his third-round TKO loss to Roman Kopylov at UFC Vegas 101. The middleweight showdown ended dramatically, with Kopylov landing a powerful punch in the final second of the fight. Although Curtis protested the stoppage, the referee stepped in just as the round was set to end.
Chris Curtis TKO Loss Raises Questions About His Future
In a post-fight Instagram statement, Curtis expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about his future: “No damage, I’m fine. Probably train tomorrow for my sanity but just frustrated and heartbroken,” Curtis wrote.
Curtis admitted the result was difficult to process, especially after his injury-plagued training camp: “Eight months off. Hamstring tear, broken foot, and then a calf tear. Trained through it all,” he shared. Despite setbacks, Curtis remained dedicated, making his TKO loss even more heartbreaking.
Move to Welterweight?
Reflecting on his performance, Chris Curtis hinted at a potential weight class change: “Maybe 170 is the way to go from here,” Curtis stated, referencing his experience fighting at welterweight earlier in his career. Curtis’s move to welterweight could offer him a fresh start after a tough stretch in the middleweight division, where he has lost three of his last four bouts.
Despite the loss, Curtis earned a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus, adding to his $200,000 payout. While the financial reward was significant, Curtis still viewed the fight as a personal setback.
“Only job in the world where you can make 200k in a night and still be absolutely heartbroken and questioning where you go from here,” Curtis remarked.
What’s Next?
The Chris Curtis TKO loss at UFC Vegas 100 leaves questions about his next step. Known for his knockout power, Curtis won four of his first five UFC bouts, including three knockouts. However, recent performances have been marked by injury, tough decisions, and frustration.
For fans of Curtis, the hope is that a weight class change could reignite his career and lead to a return to form. His next conversation with his team and management will be critical as he decides his path forward.
Roman Kopylov, on the other hand, continues to impress with his sixth UFC win. His ability to close fights with decisive power makes him a rising contender in the middleweight ranks.
Chris Curtis’s resilience, combined with his self-reflection, suggests that fans haven’t seen the last of “The Action Man” as he works to get back to winning ways.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
