Josh Samman Talks About His Rocky Road To UFC on FOX 17

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Josh Samman (12-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) spoke about finally getting to fight in his home state of Florida for UFC on FOX 17 against Tamdam McCrory (13-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC). He was originally set to fight in Orlando in April 2014 for UFC on FOX 11 against Caoi Magalhaes but was forced out due to a hamstring injury that needed surgery. Here are highlights:

On watching UFC on FOX 11 from the sidelines: “It was (expletive) miserable to watch all the fighters that made it to their bouts that evening. It was miserable, but it was motivating. I think of that moment every day.”

On his long hiatus: “I took the time I needed to take off, and I’m glad that I did it. Once I set my mind to it and decided to fight again, after that point, there was no doubt that I would fight at least once more. And, of course, I fought, and my first fight back was Eddie Gordon, and it was a spectacular feeling. I realized that it would be very difficult to walk away. I had to give it at least a few more years.”

On finally getting to fight in Florida: “It’s going to be an awesome experience to be able to be in that arena and feel the crowd, feel the energy, and hear all the fans going crazy.”