UFC 204's Mirsad Bektic admits he was in 'a dark place' during injury layoff

MANCHESTER, England – Undefeated featherweight Mirsad Bektic said life as one of the top prospects in the sport hasn’t been all roses leading into his UFC 204 showdown with Russell Doane.

Bektic (10-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who faces Doane (14-6 MMA, 2-3 UFC) in Saturday’s pay-per-view main-card opener following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass at Manchester Arena in England, has been out of action for more than a year due to various injuries and fight cancellations.

At 25 and with 10 straight wins to open his career, Bektic had plenty of momentum on his side, especially after racking up his third consecutive octagon victory with a second-round TKO of Lucas Martins at UFC Fight Night 67 in May 2015. It all came to a halt following an ACL injury, though, and Bektic said he made a number of realizations while dealing with the recovery and a lack of competition.

“I got injured because I ran myself down,” Bektic told MMAjunkie. “I was in a dark place, even before (I pulled out of) the fight with (Tatsuya) Kawajiri. I was letting my desire to win run me down. I was going crazy. I was real isolated. I was focused, but it was different. This injury allowed me to step back, focus on other things in my life and really appreciate fighting in the UFC – really appreciate the opportunity that I get and just appreciate all the other things in my life.”

Bektic finally returns to the octagon after a 497-day layoff (the longest of his career) but said he was worried his comeback would be delayed again in the days leading up to UFC 204. Not because of his own doing, but because he had two opponents pull out of UFC 204 before Doane finally stepped in on just five days’ notice.

“I thought there was going to be a point where I wouldn’t get an opponent,” Bektic said. “I thought it would be too late. I’ve seen worse things. I’ve seen quicker change-ups (like) Anderson Silva vs. Daniel Cormier (at UFC 200). I had faith in UFC that they would find me someone.”

Although Doane enters UFC 204 on a three-fight losing skid and moves up a weight class from bantamweight for the matchup, Bektic doesn’t see it as a favorable change. Doane could be fighting for his job at the event, and from Bektic’s perspective, that make him more dangerous than his two previous scheduled opponents.

“I feel like his back is up against the wall, but so is mine,” Bektic said. “I have a lot to prove as well. We’re both in different situations but similar circumstances. I’m new. He’s new. This could be great for him. He’s coming up and doesn’t have to cut so much weight. He told (UFC matchmaker) Sean Shelby, and when the ref asks him if he’s ready when he looks across the cage, he’s going to say. ‘Yes,’ and we’re going to go at it.”

Bektic remained in the gym as much as possible during the time off. He was already considered to have a bright future at 145 pounds more than a year ago, and he said fans are going to have even more faith in his what he can accomplish after he performs at UFC 204.

“If you look at all my UFC fights, you see I improve, I’m able to adapt, and if I get in situations, I overcome,” Bektic said. “My previous UFC fights, last two fights, were short-notice fights (against) new guys. I’m always able to adapt. I’m always able to adjust and overcome. My mentality is it’s not over until I win.”

For more on UFC 204, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.