Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, who last competed in 2021 in a custom rules bout, was planning an MMA comeback after not fighting under MMA rules since 2019.
The 45-year-old Mir, already a significant figure in UFC history with memorable moments including his rivalry with Brock Lesnar, recently joined the GFL roster along with other former UFC fighters like Paige VanZant and Tony Ferguson.
GFL announced that one of their first matchups would feature Mir against Fabricio Werdum, who was drafted to Team Los Angeles managed by Wanderlei Silva and coached by Rafael Cordeiro.
Frank Mir Details Emergency Spinal Fusion Surgery Before GFL Debut
Frank Mir, with a record of 19-13, last fought in MMA at Bellator 231 in 2019 and had not officially retired. He signed a two-fight deal with the United Fight League, but his return was delayed until GFL began acquiring numerous well-known fighters for their draft.
The date for Mir`s fight against Werdum has not been announced, and a recent update suggests a further delay may be possible.
Mir shared on Instagram that he recently underwent emergency back surgery. He posted an image from the hospital, showing his back post-surgery, and confirmed the procedure was successful.
“I wanted to update you on my health. As many know, I`ve been in martial arts since age four. My dedication to training has pushed me as an athlete, but it brings challenges.”
“Recently, I faced a big hurdle: emergency spinal fusion and laminectomy of my thoracic spine. It was tough, but I`m happy to say surgery was a success!”
Mir also addressed his future plans in the same post, confirming his intention to compete again. He is now focused on rehabilitation and aims to return stronger than before.
“I`m now focused on recovery and rehab. This is another challenge I`ll overcome, and I`m committed to returning stronger, mentally and physically.”
“Thank you for your support. Your encouragement means a lot, and I look forward to sharing my progress.”
Age a Key Talking Point During GFL Draft
The age of GFL`s fighters was a major discussion point during their announcements earlier this year. While GFL has signed many recognizable MMA fighters, many are considered past their prime.
Some of GFL`s biggest signings are fighters in or approaching their forties, often after recent losses or, like Mir, inactivity. It`s debatable whether fighting fellow veterans will attract fight fans.
