R.Minotauro (photo) intends to return only in 2015. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The last few years have not been easy for Rodrigo Minotauro. With a recent record that includes more defeats than victories since 2010, the former PRIDE and UFC champion has constantly dealt with injuries and is currently recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament – suffered in his last fight, against Roy Nelson , in April. In the recovery process, the veteran was concerned about not rushing his return, at the risk of getting injured again, and planned to return to the octagon only for next year.
“I had surgery four weeks ago and I'm fine now. An operation on the anterior cruciate ligament takes at least five months to return to fighting. I'm doing physical therapy now. I know the limits of my body and I don’t want to get hurt again”, said Minotauro, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”. “I still have what it takes to fight. I will return next year. I plan on getting in shape and fighting again, for sure. I want to recover first and then see how I feel,” he added.
At 38, Rodrigo Minotauro He has a professional record of 34 wins, nine losses, one draw and one unsuccessful fight. The only heavyweight in MMA history to win the PRIDE and UFC belts, Minotauro has greatly reduced his frequency in the Octagon and has only performed once a year since 2009 – except in 2011, when he had two fights. Rodrigo is coming off two consecutive defeats, something previously unheard of in his career. In his most recent appearance, he was knocked out by “chubby” Roy Nelson at UFC Abu Dhabi, in April this year.
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