Jafel Filho recently opened up about a serious injury he faced before his latest fight in the UFC. Prior to his bout against Allan Nascimento on May 6, 2023, he suffered a spider bite that led to a severe infection. This injury heavily impacted his performance, resulting in a decision defeat.
Filho’s Path to Recovery
Speaking in an interview before his fight on October 11, 2023, in Rio de Janeiro against Clayton Carpenter, Filho declared that he is now in top physical condition. He reflected on his previous fight, saying, “I was ready to lose my leg, basically. But now, I’m 100%.”
Details of the Injury
- Injury occurred just before flying to Las Vegas.
- Filho experienced lung hyperventilation during his last fight due to the infection.
- He was advised to withdraw from the bout, but chose to fight regardless.
Filho faced significant discomfort leading up to the fight, even struggling to walk days before. He undertook a nearly ten-hour flight while concerned about worsening his condition. “The doctor told me I couldn’t go, but I went anyway. I took a huge risk,” he admitted.
Support and Trust
Only his wife was aware of his injury. After feeling better on the last day of his weight cut, he finally disclosed his condition to his head coach, Andre Pederneiras. Despite being evaluated through drills to ensure he was fit to fight, Filho chose to keep his challenges hidden.
Reflections on the Fight
Despite not achieving victory in the cage, Filho feels a sense of accomplishment, stating, “I actually feel like a winner for everything I went through.” He believes overcoming his internal struggles was a huge victory in itself.
Looking Ahead to UFC Rio
Now fully recovered and eager to compete, Filho acknowledged his excitement about fighting in front of a Brazilian crowd. He has fond memories of watching his idol, Jose Aldo, in the same arena. “Now my time has come,” he expressed enthusiastically.
Filho recognizes Carpenter as a formidable opponent but feels that their fighting styles will work favorably for him. His preparation not only includes physical training but also mental conditioning to manage the emotions of performing in Rio. “I know I’ll have a great performance,” he concluded, ready to prove himself in the octagon once more.
