Cigano talks about returning to the Octagon after serious injury: 'A shock of adrenaline'

J. Cigano at UFC weigh-in. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube SevereMMA

The former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg.), junior gypsy, went through a real scare at the end of last year after contracting a serious bacterial infection that removed him from the main fight of the UFC Moscow, which took place in November. At the time, the athlete spent a week in hospital and showed strong images of the leg injury that made it impossible for him to remain on the card. Recovered, the athlete spoke to 'MMA Fighting' about his enthusiasm to return to the octagon on January 25, in the main fight of UFC Raleigh, when he faces Curtis blaydes.

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“It was (a) very serious situation. I spent a week in the hospital thinking I would be released to fight (against Alexander Volkov, UFC Moscow), but the doctor told me: 'you have no idea how serious this is'. He said I'm lucky to be a healthy man and to have gone to the hospital in time, or I could have gone straight to the ICU (Intensive Treatment Unit)”, declared the Santa Catarina native.

Júnior, however, respected his real condition and underwent treatment so that his recovery could happen completely and without the risk of any sequelae.

“It’s difficult to explain how fragile we are. I take good care of myself and that helped me, in this case, not only to endure this illness but also to have a good and quick recovery,” she explained.

Fully recovered, the athlete had the opportunity to headline another event promoted by Ultimate. On the 25th, the combatant will try to recover from the harsh defeat suffered by Francis Ngannou, in June last year, and seeks to regain its status as a possible challenger when facing Curtis blaydes, currently third in the ranking.

“It's like a shock of adrenaline,” said the athlete, who added: “I'm here to face the best because I believe I can get the belt back, and I will. It’s a matter of time and hard work”, he concluded.

See Cigano’s injury (STRONG IMAGES)

J. Gypsy hospitalized after bacterial infection. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @juniorcigano

Injury to J. Cigano's leg that took him out of action UFC Moscow. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @juniorcigano

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