After two long absences caused by the same knee injury, which paralyzed his career practically consecutively, Herbert Burns returns to action this Saturday (30), on the card of UFC Atlantic City, to face the American Julio Arce. And, completely recovered, the featherweight (66 kg) promises to leave the ‘zica’ behind and present a new version inside the most famous octagon in the world: ‘The Blaze 3.0’, as he himself called it.
In an exclusive interview with Ag Fight, Herbert acknowledged that the long recovery process was not easy to deal with, but highlighted that he feels prepared to show the same potential as a fighter as in his first two fights in the UFC. It is worth remembering that the brother of Gilbert Durinho won and convinced in the two initial clashes in the organization, by overcoming their rivals on the fast track.
“I’ve been recovering for almost two years, I’ve had this time to focus. It’s a boring recovery because you have to do physiotherapy, strengthen the muscle, especially since there were two surgeries in a row. But the only way for you to improve, that I know, is hard work, commitment, respect for what you do and giving your all. That’s what I did. And now I feel rejuvenated and ready to re-debut in the UFC as I did, with my foot in the door. It’s The Blaze 3.0“, designed Burns.
Herbert’s ‘zica’ in the UFC
After beating Nate Landwehr in his Ultimate debut, by knockout, Herbert Burns overcame Evan Dunham by submission in his second appearance in the league. The number two triumph in the UFC, however, was in danger of not coming, as the jiu-jitsu black belt suffered a cut on his foot shortly before applying the rear naked choke to his opponent that defined the fight.
It was a sign that ‘zica’ could hinder his career, as was the case. In preparation for a scheduled clash against Billy Quarantillo, Herbert injured his knee, tearing his ACL, which forced him to leave his commitment, undergo surgery and step away from the octagons. Upon his return to the Octagon, another injury to the anterior cruciate ligament of the same knee, during the fight against Bill Algeo, left Burns recovering for almost two years.
