Andrei Arlovski Out Six To Eight Weeks
Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski made his return to the octagon last June at UFC 174 against Brendan Schaub. Arlovski suffered a disappointing decision loss in a rather lackluster fight, but he was able to bounce back at UFC Fight Night 51 in September by scoring a devastating first round knockout win over Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.
With this win, “The Pitbull” showed that he may still be able to compete with the UFC’s big boys. However, it now looks like it could be quite some time before we see him in action again.
News broke on yesterday’s (October 29, 2014) edition of UFC Tonight that Arlovski underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder last week. His manager, speaking to Ariel Helwani, stated that “The Pitbull” will need six to eight weeks to fully recover from the operation.
This is unfortunate news for Arlovski. This is his second stint with the UFC and he may have been on his way to a big time fight at heavyweight after his most recent knockout. However, not everyone expected him to be enjoying the success he has in the last few years.
After losing four consecutive fights between 2009-2001, three via knockout, many thought it was the end of the line for the former champion. However, since then Arlovski has gone 8-1-(1) and has completely turned his career around possibly giving himself one last run at gold.
Questions now may arise regarding how serious this injury was and how difficult the return will be for the ageing Arlovski. If he can pick up where he left off in September when he returns, “The Pitbull” could be a possible contender in the rejuvenated UFC heavyweight division.
