WASHINGTON – The road to recovery has been difficult for UFC welterweight Tim Means.
After dominating Niko Price for the majority of their March fight, Means was knocked out cold as the clock wound down in the first round.
“If I’ve learned anything over the years and in my past, it’s that I need to be patient.” Means told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “I think the hardest part was just winning the fight. I was dominating Niko. So not getting paid that extra money is a slap in the face.”
Not only did punches cause Means to lose consciousness, it resulted in a serious leg injury due to the way he fell. Means’ leg twisted awkwardly behind him, resulting in a broken leg and ankle. Surgery was needed.
“The athletic trainers and the rehab part of it was a learning experience, as well. It was grueling, painful, and a learning process,” Means said. “Those little ladies were pretty mean. I could dwell on it or move forward. It’s one of those things. (Expletive) happens. It’s my worst injury in 40 fights. What do you do, but get fixed and move forward?”
Almost nine months later, Means (28-11-1 MMA, 10-8 UFC) will return to the cage to take on longtime UFC veteran Thiago Alves (23-14 MMA, 15-11 UFC) at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 7 card.
Means expects Alves to target his injured leg – especially when the Brazilian sees the size of his new scar.
“He’s a guy that’s a heavy leg kicker and likes to bust up the legs,” Means said. “I want to put my injury to the test immediately. I can either handle it or I can’t. And there’s no tip-toeing around this stuff. I thought they offered a guy that’s going to come after my injury very well.
“A lot of these guys – everyone knows I was hurt. I have a big old scar down my leg now. So I’m just going to jump right in the mix of it. I’m either all in or I’m not in at all.”
MMA fans have adored Means and Alves for their fighting styles. Throughout the years, both men have accumulated fight night bonuses and thrilled the fans. Means doesn’t expect that to change Saturday night in the nation’s capital.
“It will be a war,” Means said. “It will be a tough three rounds, but I’ve got to knock out Thiago and send a statement.”
UFC on ESPN 7 takes place Saturday at Capital One Arena. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
UFC on ESPN 7's Tim Means dishes on grueling recovery from his 'worst injury in 40 fights'
