(Article and Photos by Cristian Buitron)
Phillipe Nover received his black belt from our GMA Alexandre Soca at the same time he reached the finale of the Ultimate Fighter. A couple of fights later and some tough, close matches that resulted in losses, he was cut from the UFC. To add to the bad luck, a neck injury continued to become aggravated and although he continued working as a registered nurse, training and teaching Jiu-Jitsu, the neck discomfort became such that he had to see a doctor who recommended surgery.
Like any procedure, particularly involving the neck, it is always a source for concern. Nover was given two surgical options one more conservative and a second one more modern but also more aggressive and riskier. He opted to go with the second procedure.
Thankfully the surgery was a total success and Phillipe almost immediately returned to the mats and the ring and is now more convinced than ever that this successful procedure was the first step to his comeback to MMA.
The second step to his return was his first professional Muay Thai fight in NYC this Friday, June 10th.