Five months after knee surgery, Santos native Tainara Lisboa lives with the uncertainty of when she will return to the UFC. The athlete, who won two of the four fights contracted with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is undergoing rehabilitation, but cannot yet train in MMA.
– That knee was a good knee, which didn’t give me any problems. It was a big surprise that I got hurt. I have two cruciate ligament surgeries, which I had many years ago, but life went on. After my UFC debut I took a month off and when I started training again my knee started to swell and cause a lot of pain – explains the UFC fighter in an interview with ge.
Tainara Lisboa recovers from knee surgery
As the match was already scheduled for October last year, Tainara underwent medication-based training camp and opted for longer periods of rest.
– During the fight I didn’t have any pain, but I had an emotional struggle, because (I had) the idea of not having done everything I think I have to do. Knowing that I didn’t do my best made me insecure. I felt scared. Am I really ready?
Despite the injury, the Brazilian beat compatriot Ravena Oliveira, for the first time on points and in a unanimous decision by the judges, but realized there that surgery was inevitable.
– As soon as I left the fight my knee was screaming – he remembers.
The procedure carried out at the beginning of December was a success, but the rehabilitation, which could last six months, has no end date. In the first few weeks, it is not allowed to bend the leg or touch the floor. Even for those who are used to pain, the process is intense.
– I was immobilized for a long time and quite dependent. It wasn’t just the fight that stopped, my work stopped my life too. My husband was there 24 hours a day. To go to the bathroom I needed help, because I had to be very careful not to ruin what had been done.
In addition to physiotherapy, the new routine includes weight training, swimming and indoor cycling. There is still no date for the return to specific MMA training.
He has already dedicated twenty years to martial arts. Optimistic, Tainara Lisboa says she can face this moment in two ways.
– I can feel sad that perhaps at the height of my story I have to take this break and think: what will it be like to start again? Or I can thank you! And that’s what I try to do. Knowing that the UFC is there waiting for me. That I’m hurt, but my goal is there. And I will return and my story inside will continue.
Tags: UFC surgery Tainara Lisboa admits pain concern life stopped Santos region
