Condit expects return in March or April
Carlos Condit: “Right now, I’m looking at getting back into the cage in March or April. That’s the plan and I’m working hard to make that happen.”
In the second round of his fight vs. Tyron Woodley at UFC 171 in March, Carlos Condit took a low kick, and then collapsed to the mat holding his other knee. The ref quickly stepped in, and Woodley was awarded the victory.
Condit underwent surgery for a torn ACL and partially torn meniscus, and spent the past eight months rehabbing the knee.
Now in an interview with Duane Finley for B/R, “The Natural Born Killer” says he will be back in the Octagon early in 2015.
“Rehab was tough from a physical standpoint, but it gave me something to do,” said Condit. “I love a challenge. I got with a great Physical Therapist and he kicked my ass every time I went in there. He put me through seriously hard workouts and I need that s—. If I sit around and I’m idle, I’m not a happy guy. I’m not really a sane person under those circumstances.
“Balancing the mental aspect of recovery is tough. At some points I’m sure I’ve pushed too far or too hard and I’m lucky nothing happened. Then I would have to dial it back, but it’s definitely a fine line to walk. I’m trying to get back to health and even better than I was before, but also trying not to injure myself or extend my time off in the process.”
“I’ve basically been cleared to start doing some sparring and training as long as it is light. I have to be cautious of anything explosive movement-wise or doing anything too quickly. I can run, hit mitts and do plenty of other things. I just can’t go 100 percent on anything yet. I can do jiu-jitsu from the ground but I have to be careful with explosive takedowns and things like that. All of my training partners have been great and know I’m not 100 percent right now, so they’ve been able to get their work in without putting my knee in danger.
“Right now, I’m looking at getting back into the cage in March or April. That’s the plan and I’m working hard to make that happen.”
Condit said he has been watching a lot of fights, but as a fan, and not from the point of view of where he fits in to the division, and who he might fight on his return.
“My attention is on what I have to do today to get healthy and I can’t afford to take my focus off of that,” said Condit. “There are a lot of small steps to take between now and my next fight and my focus is right where it needs to be.”
So UG, even if Condit is not thinking about who he faces in his return, who do you most want to see him fight?