Cyborg planning MMA return now that his skull is fixed

Is fighting a drug? Is it an addictive substance that seeps into your veins and once tasted never really lets you go? These are fair questions to ask after the latest news that Evangelista ‘Cyborg’ Santos is looking to make a quick return to MMA.

Cyborg was the recipient of a gruesome injury in the process of a TKO loss to Bellator’s rising welterweight star Michael ‘Venom’ Page at Bellator 158 back in July. Page ended the fight with a highlight reel flying knee. But it wasn’t just a knockout shot, the knee hit Cyborg square in the forehead, putting a massive dent in his skull and causing multiple fractures. Just a month after undergoing surgery, however, it appears Cyborg is in great spirits and good health... and thinking about fighting again.

"I had a great recovery," Santos told MMA Fighting. "This time off was super important for me. I was so busy doing other stuff that I didn’t even notice how fast his month has passed. It was really uncomfortable three or four days after the surgery, but after that I pretty much rested and studied.

"I plan on coming back to training next week and fighting in December," he continued. "This is my plan. But before I make any decision, I will listen to what the doctors have to say. I have an appointment with the doctor next week to find out if he really clears me to train again, but I’m feeling super fine."

Cyborg did sound a humorous note of caution saying that doctors told him that he “won’t be the same way he was.” And that he now thinks of himself like “a damaged car” rather than “a brand new one.” Which is all good fun, unless of course it’s the truth.

If Cyborg really can make his return to MMA, then fans and promoters can only hope he does so without any lasting effects from his incredible injury. If not, his return to combat sports could get ugly in a hurry.