UFC bantamweight Tyson Nam details experience of fighting just 12 months after ACL surgery (Exclusive)

UFC bantamweight fighter Tyson Nam is coming off a spectacular first-round KO win over up-and-comer Ode Osbourne in August 2022. The fight marked Nam's return to the octagon after a 19-month hiatus.

Apart from the highlight reel, the victory over Osbourne was also special for Nam as he had just come fresh off an ACL reconstruction. The Hawaiian claims to have taken just a little over a year to return to action after the surgery, which according to him is faster than the average recovery time.

While Nam was apprehensive about his knee stepping into the octagon, he claims to have only felt stronger and faster once he started fighting. The 39-year-old UFC bantamweight told James Lynch in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA:

"Usually people take about 16 or so months to fully get back. But I was ready to do it at 12. But just so happened, 13 was the mark and I was just always contemplating in my head, 'Man, am I gonna lose a step? Because I feel good training but I'll never know until I step back into the cage until I start fighting, fighting'. But as soon as the bell rang, I felt stronger, I felt faster, I felt like I gained a step."

Catch Tyson Nam's interview with Sportskeeda MMA below:

Ode Osbourne and Tyson Nam appeared to be an even matchup before 'The Jamaican Sensation' missed big with a flying knee, and the Hawaiian slept him with an overhand right at 2:59 of the opening frame.

Watch the highlights below:

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Tyson Nam claims cannabis is part of his diet for next fight camp

Gone are the days when UFC athletes used to be banned and fights used to be overturned for marijuana use. In a major change to its anti-doping policy, the UFC removed the ban on cannabis in January 2021 after it was found to be a non-performance enhancing drug. Several UFC athletes have since openly promoted cannabis and its by-products.

Tyson Nam is currently scheduled to fight Bruno Silva at UFC Vegas 71 on March 11. Nam claims that cannabis edibles are a part of his diet for the upcoming fight camp.

Apart from the obvious sleep benefits, Nam believes that the THC buzz helps him stay away from alcohol, leading to better overall health. The 39-year-old Hawaiian further told Sportskeeda MMA:

"Edibles is still part of the diet. Helps with the sleep. But you know what is the biggest thing that I took away from it was, when I'm a little bit buzzed off a THC, I drink way less. And alcohol is a killer for me. I used to train, drink a mad load. So the cut back and not even drinking alcohol made me so much healthier."