After fibula surgery, Raphael Assuncao targets December or January return

Sitting on the sidelines ever since a unanimous decision win over Bryan Caraway in October of 2014, Raphael Assuncao had to deal with a nagging injury in his ankle and leg, which were the main reason behind his setback.

Assuncao needed to have surgery in order to fix the problem, but at least now he is confident he'll be free from that problem and will be able to train gain soon.

"It has been two weeks since I had surgery in my fibula. I'm recuperating really well, my body is reacting great. " Assuncao told Portal do Vale Tudo. "I was clinically healed, but the x-rays showed my bone was not 100%. It did not solidify, it could break again at any time if I didn't have the surgery. So we put this metal plate and some screws in there, they are high tech, so I will be fine."

Although he has been away from the Octagon for almost a year, Assuncao still rides a seven-fight win streak, which puts him close to title contention once he comes back. As for the timetable, he feels optimistic enough to make return still in 2015.

"I'm very optimistic. I will sit out in September and maybe I can train again in October. I still have the stitches, but I will remove them next week. I want to fight in December, January, tops. I'm not one of those guys who get unmotivated, fat and don't eat well. On the contrary, I have been keeping an appropriate diet and once I'm cleared, I will start my camp. In one week I'll be back in shape."