Marreta updates on recovery: 'I can do almost everything except kick'

T. Marreta in the recovery phase after surgery. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube MMA Fighting

It's been three months since Thiago Marreta surprised the world by promoting a real battle against the light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (up to 93kg.). The duel, however, cost the Brazilian dearly, as he suffered injuries to both knees and had to undergo surgery to correct the problems. In the recovery phase, the athlete stated that he is now able to perform physical exercises, but states that there are limitations in moving his legs. The information was given in an interview with 'MMA Fighting'.

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“Man, the only thing I can't do is kick, but I can box. I can train my hands and do fitness too. I can ride a bike, but I can't run yet. I can do a lot of things, actually”, said the fighter.

Thiago's surgery took place on July 18th, just over 10 days after the UFC 239, when the athlete from Cidade de Deus was defeated by 'Bones' in the judges' decision. After completing the procedure, the professionals who performed the surgery stipulated that the recovery time could vary from six to eight months, depending on the evolution after the physiotherapy sessions that the Brazilian would undergo since then.

In a recent interview, the fighter stated that he thought the worst. Marreta stated that the pain on both knees during the procedure was intense and that he felt bad because he was unable to perform basic tasks such as getting up to go to the bathroom. Months later, however, the fighter seems to be better and explains that the time away served to give value to situations that previously went unnoticed due to work.

“Sometimes I didn’t give much importance to going out, enjoying the day more, having fun with my family. I didn't have time for that, because I was always fighting one fight after another. So I'm using this time for that now. Going out, enjoying my family, that's been good. Enjoy the beach, travel, you know? Stay away from the gym”, commented the athlete.

Finally, the fighter guarantees that he will fight again as soon as possible. There is no prediction of opponents yet. His last rival, Jones, has not yet confirmed his next opponent, but, if it were up to the Brazilian, the next fight would be for a rematch against the North American.

“If it were just up to me, being 100%, I wouldn't need a fight (before Jones) to test me. I don't need any of that. If I can train 100%, I'm sure I'll get there ready to fight anyone”, concluded Thiago.

Marreta has had seven fights in the last 15 months. The loss to Jones was the fighter's first since debuting in the light heavyweight division. For the category, the athlete had five fights and lost only one.

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