One of Ultimate's Brazilian favorites, Thiago Marreta is close to his return to the octagon. After spending more than a year away from the sport while recovering from knee injuries, the athlete is preparing to return to the organization and intends to resume his status as a challenger for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg). In an exclusive interview with Youtube channel do SUPER FIGHTS, Marreta spoke about his ambitions for the future within the company and his dream of the title.
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Thiago was injured during the biggest challenge of his career, when he faced Jon Jones for the category belt in June last year. Even outside the ideal conditions for the duel, the Brazilian managed to promote a true battle against one of the best athletes in the history of the sport, being defeated in a split decision by the judges.
Ready to go back
After the confrontation, it was found that Marreta had torn all the ligaments in his right knee at the beginning of the dispute. The fighter then had to undergo a surgical procedure and would be out of action for more than six months. After a long recovery process, the Brazilian is now awaiting the contract for his new commitment.
“My manager contacted the UFC saying that I am ready to fight again. Now, we are waiting for a name and when. They haven't sent back the options yet. We are waiting”, said Thiago.
Next appointment
Without choosing an opponent, Marreta has just one requirement for the fight that will mark his return to the Octagon. The fighter from Cidade de Deus (RJ) wants his opponent to be a rival of the category's elite so that he can prove that he is in a position to compete for the title soon.
“Anyone from the top 5. Of course I always look up. So, for sure, I wanted to go back against Jones or Dominick reyes, but we don't know what will happen. It doesn't depend on us. If it’s not those guys, I want it to be someone from the top 5,” she explained.
Rematch with Jones: obsession?
Currently in second place in the light heavyweight rankings and known for being one of the athletes who came closest to ending the reign of the most successful fighter in the history of the category, Thiago guarantees that his focus is not a rematch against Jones itself. Although he is thinking about a rematch against the American, Marreta explains that his plan goes beyond beating a legend of the sport.
“It’s a fight that everyone wants to see. I also want to see what happens, me being well, with my knees good. But it's nothing personal. This comes in the background. My goal is to become UFC champion and, in the background, of course, comes a second fight with Jones”, said the Brazilian.
Currently 36 years old, Marreta debuted in MMA in December 2010. The athlete currently has 21 wins and seven losses in 28 appearances as a professional in the sport.
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