Originally Posted by MMAJunkie

Mark Coleman eyes fall UFC return


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Despite a recent knee injury due to an MCL tear, UFC heavyweight and MMA legend Mark Coleman (15-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC) remains committed to completing his return to the UFC after a nine-year absence from the organization.

"The Hammer" discussed his current condition with MMAjunkie.com (
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) while in New Jersey to corner Phil Baroni in his EliteXC clash with Joey Villasenor.

"It's just going to take some time to heal," Coleman said of his knee. "The good news is no surgery. I'm rehabbing it hard. ... I plan on coming back stronger because of this. I'm building the muscles that are going to take care of my knee even better."

Originally scheduled to face former WWE superstar and decorated amateur wrestling Brock Lesnar in August, Coleman was forced to withdraw from the bout while recovering from the injury. The 43-year-old now hopes to return to action by October at the latest.

"In six to eight weeks, it will be healthy," Coleman said. "But then I'm going to need another six to eight weeks to get in shape."

While the UFC has not yet discussed another bout for Coleman, the UFC hall-of-famer feels confident about his chances to return.

"As far as I know, they're going to keep me," Coleman said. "I'm excited to be with [the UFC], and I can't wait. It's been fun just being back with them after so long. The fans have been treating me great, and I'm sorry to disappoint them like this.

"Only thing I can do for them now is come back. ... I will be back in there. And I feel I'll be back in there better than ever."