UFC
Michael Bisping undergoes successful knee surgery, eying quick return to the Octagon
Jun 15, 2012 - 1:50:05 PM

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

UFC middleweight Michael Bisping was forced out of his UFC 149 bout with Tim Boetsch earlier this month when a lingering knee injury became too much of an issue, prompting Bisping to choose surgery.

On Wednesday, Bisping underwent that surgery, seeing Dr. Steve Mora in Los Angeles, Calif. to take care of the issue. Earlier this week on UFC Tonight on Fuel TV (captured in his latest video blog, Bisping revealed what the issue was with his knee.

"I have to have the surgery," Bisping said (transcribed by MMAJunkie.com). "I have two loose bodies floating around inside my knee, and I also have a slightly torn meniscus."

"While that sounds bad, I don't have to have a reconstruction or major surgery."

The procedure was a success, and Bisping expects to be back into action in quick fashion. Indeed, he believes he'll only be out a few extra weeks, and he hopes to keep himself ahead of the man who is taking his place at UFC 149, Hector Lombard, in the UFC's middleweight ranks.

"The fight didn't happen with Boetsch, but I'm going to be back in there ASAP," he said. "Best of luck to Tim in his upcoming fight with Hector Lombard... I'll be fighting again very soon."

Penick's Analysis: It's certainly good that he won't need to be out of action for much longer. Knee injuries can be very scary and serious for athletes, but this was certainly in the more mild and minor range of those, and a three-to-four week layoff isn't so bad. He's hoping to return as early as UFC 151 in September, so he could definitely keep himself right in line for getting a title shot if he picks up a win on his way back. It all depends on who he's matched up against and where they rank in the division.

[Michael Bisping art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]