:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28554255/20131009_ajl_ooo_338.0.jpg)
Sometimes the hurt game is the always hurt game. That certainly seems to be the case for Claude Patrick, who hasn't competed in the UFC since late 2011. It's the latest and longest of several layoffs in his career, although the first in his UFC tenure. Patrick was injured in training to fight James Head at UFC 149; he tore a ligament, although he wont say wich one. Now he's finally healed up and ready to step back in to the Octagon. He spoke to MMAJunkie about his expected return date and why he was out on the sidelines for so long.
"I got hurt in training for my fight in Calgary at UFC 149," Patrick told MMAjunkie. "I tore a ligament training for that fight, so I pulled out of it. I've been recovering here for a bit, and I'm just on the comeback trail now."
...
"With surgery in the U.S., you can get it right away if you get the cash for it, but in Canada, you have to wait in line," Patrick said. "It's covered, but you've got to wait until your surgery comes up in line. I got my done in December, and I'm just on the stage of coming back."
...
"The show I'm looking at is the one in June in Vancouver," Patrick said. "I'm hoping for that, but it's really tentative. I just now started training back at a decent pace, so once I take a couple bumps back in the gym, I'll see how I'm feeling."
The Vancouver show of which he speaks is UFC 174, which takes place on June 14th. Patrick had been on something of a streak as a UFC welterweight before a split decision loss to Brian Ebersole and his injury woes put the brakes on him. Be sure to check out the rest of the interview as Patrick talks about his process for getting back in to the cage after such a long layoff. No potential opponent has been named for his UFC return, but stay tuned for more news and updates.
Get the latest gear
