After Scary Injury, Ian McCall Plans To Be Very Active In 2016

UFC flyweight fighter Ian McCall (13-5-1 MMA, 2-3-1 UFC) was supposed to have a rematch with Dustin Ortiz on August 8, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 73, but had to pull out of the fight in late July citing injury and was replaced by Willie Gates. The shoulder injury was first thought to be a labrum tear, but was later revealed that he tore his rotator cuff. Needless to say that McCall has been out of action with that injury and explained during a recent interview that he just threw his first punch last week.

“Twelve weeks ago I had full shoulder surgery,” McCall told MMAjunkie Radio. “They thought it was just a labrum tear. They went in, and I had fully torn my rotator cuff. I tore two labra, and I tore my bicep tendon completely, as well. I tore my bicep muscle a little bit, but it wasn’t bad enough where I needed surgery on the muscle.

“So, basically, my whole shoulder was done, and I just threw my first punch last week after about three months.”

McCall is expected to have a busy 2016 because he wants to fight as often as he can. He plans to fight like Donald Cerrone in order to get a title shot at Demetrious Johnson. If you recall, Cerrone fought several times and put together a string of wins to get a title shot at UFC lightweight champ Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 17.

“Let’s say that in 2016 I can get in three or four fights and be healthy, that would be great,” McCall said. “If I could do the Donald Cerrone and fight six times? Great. That would be f-cking amazing. That’s just a lot.

“I have a saying that my mental coach, Vinnie Shoreman, told me a while ago. It’s that time is a commodity that I do not have. I don’t have time on my side anymore. So, I would fight every month if I could. If I was healthy enough, and I’m knocking everyone out or whatever, I’ll fight six times. Great. I just need to get healthy, and I need to stay healthy.”

McCall is 2-2 in his last four bouts and last fought at UFC 183, which saw him lose John Lineker by unanimous decision.