According to MMAFighting.com‘s Ariel Helwani, Matt Brown will not need surgery to repair his injured back. Helwani learned the news from Brown’s wife, Colleen, on Monday.
Brown recently pulled out of a much-anticipated UFC on Fox 9 matchup against Carlos Condit, citing herniated discs as the reason.
The nature of Brown’s injury—combined with UFC President Dana White saying that he didn’t expect the fighter to return anytime soon—led many to believe that “The Immortal” would need surgery and face a lengthy layoff.
Now, however, doctors are optimistic that the welterweight standout can return to training as soon as February, meaning that Brown could fight in late spring or early summer.
According to Brown’s wife, “The Immortal” would fight tomorrow if the decision were left to him.
“If it’s up to him, it’ll be sooner,” she said. “He’s very restless. Can’t wait to get back in there.”
Brown posted a 5-5 record in his first 10 fights under the UFC banner, but has since found his groove and racked up an impressive six-fight winning streak over names such as Mike Pyle, Mike Swick and Jordan Mein.
Because of this impressive career turnaround, Brown placed himself in the thick of the crowded welterweight division and his previously scheduled matchup with Condit looked to be a title eliminator when it was booked.
Since that time, however, 170-pound champion Georges St-Pierre left the sport and the UFC lined up a fight between Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler to fill the championship void.
Making matters worse for Brown, his previous opponent, Condit, will fight Tyron Woodley in the co-main event slot at UFC 171.
Brown’s injury undoubtedly delayed his ascent to the top of the welterweight ladder, but he has battled back from adversity throughout his career and his recent performances suggest that he can do it again.
Until then, “The Immortal” will rest his back and prepare for battle against one of the many talented 170-pound fighters dotting the UFC’s roster.
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