Thompson tells when Weidman may return to the Octagon

Former UFC welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson gave an approximate timeline for the return of his sparring partner, former middleweight champion Chris Weidman.

"I don't know, maybe the middle of next year will be a good time for him to come back. He needs to go through a good training camp. Chris is keeping in shape - he's a big heavy guy right now.

He helped me during my last training camp. He also has other fighters that he helps. Hopefully he'll be back in the middle of next year and I'll be in his corner," Thompson told BJ Penn.

Recall that Weidman had his last fight last April against Juraya Hall. Chris broke his leg in the first round and was defeated by technical knockout.