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It’s been over two years given that lightweight Tom O’Connor last entered the cage following a series of events that might have had other fighters questioning why they continue to pursue a career as an expert fighter.
A concussion, a ligament injury, followed by the beginning of the unique coronavirus pandemic might have kept O’Connor from combating considering that July of 2018, however he’s adhered to his weapons, strove and is finally all set to get back to fighting.
” At first (the layoff) was due to injury,” O’Connor informed MMAWeekly.com.( Recuperating from the concussion) was tricky, however then after that I just went back into everything I needed to do to get back 100%, then the very same thing with the knee.
Through whatever O’Connor heeded simply what it requires a professional fighter and it assisted him declare his dedication to continuing on with his profession.
” There’s so little space for error in this sport that you require your body to be 100%, so I discovered what it requires to come back from an injury and how much dedication you have to have to the way of life,” stated O’Connor.
” If you don’t do everything you require to do every day that would put you two days back. You wish to make sure you’re constantly going forward, not backwards.”.
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On Wednesday in Atlanta, O’Connor (8-1) makes his return to fighting as part of the first round of the light-weight grand prix at XFC 43 versus Jose Cacares (15-10).
” I’m going to put the pressure on him and just attempt to drown him with my pressure,” O’Connor said of Cacares. “Whether that’s standing, the ground, or a mixture of the 2, I’m going to attempt to control from the opening bell to the surface and attempt to put him away.
” Jose is very gifted, has actually combated the best in the world, is knowledgeable and has been around longer than I have, and has actually put his time in. I believe he’s going to be a truly well-rounded martial artist and harmful everywhere, so I’m not taking him gently anywhere, however I’m coming out to impose my will on him, and take it to him from start to finish.”.
With various possibilities for opposition ahead of him in the competition, there could be several things on O’Connor’s mind, however having gone through what he has the previous 2 years he’s going to focus his efforts into his bout with Cacares and absolutely nothing beyond that for now.
” I’m not thinking previous Jose,” stated O’Connor. “I’m focused on this one moment.
” It’s all boiling down to November 11 at the minute I get locked in the cage that’s when everything needs to peak and that’s what I’m focused on. I’m concentrated on the one moment and after that I’ll prepare for the next one after that.”.
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