Minotauro aims to return to the UFC in early 2014 against Roy Nelson

R.Minotauro (photo) intends to fight again in early 2014. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Rodrigo Minotauro stated that Roy Nelson He would be the ideal opponent for his return to the UFC, which would be in the first half of 2014.

The former Rings, PRIDE and UFC champion has been away from fighting since June, when he was submitted by Fabricio Werdum at the event held in Fortaleza, Ceará. On that occasion, Minotauro ruptured the ligament in his elbow in the armbar applied by the gaucho, which required surgical intervention.

In an interview with the North American website MMA Fighting, Minotauro praised Nelson's characteristics. “I'm totally interested in this fight. He is a tough athlete and always fights with the best. I would like to face him. He has a heavy hand and would be a good challenge”, he commented.

Due to the nature of his injury, Minotauro explained that he will only be able to train at maximum intensity next year. “I'm not training hard yet, but I always practice something with my coaches. I won't be able to train hard before January. I want to return to the Octagon in March or April. Ligament injuries require six months of recovery, so I can’t come back before then.”

Nelson, who like Minotauro is 37 years old, is coming off two defeats in the organization. He lost to Stipe Miocic at UFC 161, in June, and for Daniel Cormier at UFC 166 in October.

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