I recently had the opportunity to catch up with UFC 132 competitor Aaron Simpson. Simpson takes on late-replacement Brad Tavares, but was originally scheduled to face Jason Miller. In this exclusive interview from MMA Nation on 106.7 The Fan, Simpson talks about his disappointment in not being able to face a more 'name' opponent in Miller, opening his new gym with C.B. Dollaway and Ryan Bader, what an ideal calendar year in MMA would like for him as well as a host of other topics.
Most notably, we talk about the staph infection that could've ended his career and nearly threatened his life. What was initially perceived as just fever and a swollen elbow ultimately turned out to be an advanced staph infection that had worked its way into his blood stream. Simpson was forced to undergo emergency surgery and has recovered, but recollects how close he came to not seeking proper medical care and what that would've meant for his career and life.
Full audio below: