Champion’s Unrelenting Pace Defies Convention
When the reigning light heavyweight titleholder steps into the Octagon on October 5, it will mark his third championship bout in under six months. This blistering pace has earned him a place in the record books as the most active champion in history at the age of 37.
In a recent interview, the champion revealed that he had been fighting through a debilitating knee injury sustained during training camp for a July 2023 bout. The injury was so severe that it forced him to halt training, and his team considered canceling the fight. Despite the setback, he pushed through, albeit with significant limitations.
The champion’s perseverance paid off, as he secured a split-decision victory. However, it was a far cry from the explosive performances fans had grown accustomed to seeing from him.
Initially scheduled for knee surgery in December, the champion was presented with an unexpected opportunity to challenge for the vacant light heavyweight title. He seized the chance, competing with the injured knee and stunning the world by becoming the fastest two-division champion in history.
The experience made him realize the devastating potential he possessed when fully healthy. After undergoing surgery in December, he returned to action in April, successfully defending his title against a formidable opponent with a first-round knockout.
The champion’s subsequent bout was a thrilling rematch, which he won with a highlight-reel knockout via head kick. Following the fight, he hinted at taking a break, but instead, he will be back in the Octagon, attempting to make his third defense of the light heavyweight championship in a record 176 days.
“I was able to fight with such bad conditions with my leg, and now that I have had the surgery and am 100 percent healthy, I want to fight all the time,” the champion declared.
With his sights set on the future, the champion is considering a move back down to his original weight class to challenge the current titleholder. He has also left the door open for a potential move to the heavyweight division.
When asked about taking a break after his upcoming bout, the champion remained noncommittal, saying, “Bro, I’m not going to respond to that because it is hard to say. I don’t know.”
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