Surging Cane Eyes Spring Return

His name was on the periphery less than a year ago after a disqualification loss to James Irvin in his UFC debut. Now, Luis Arthur Cane has climbed into the discussion as a potential light heavyweight title contender.

Quality decisive wins against former World Extreme Cagefighting champion Jason Lambert and Team Quest brute Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou work wonders with one’s resume. The last 12 months could not have gone better for Cane.

“It was, for sure, the best year in my career,” he says. “I got two good victories in the UFC, and some rankings place me in the top 10 in my division. I don’t even know if I am, but some of them say that.”

Elbow surgery has kept Cane (9-1, 1 NC) out of the Octagon since he throttled Sokoudjou over the course of two rounds at UFC 89 in October. Still, the 27-year-old Brazilian has emerged as a viable threat at 205 pounds. All nine of his wins have ended with a finish, eight of them by knockout or technical knockout.

“I had a week’s vacation after the [Sokoudjou] fight; I stayed quiet,” says Cane, who underwent the procedure on Nov. 1. “My elbow was hurt going into the fight; I’d suffered with it for two months. I didn’t stop training, but I couldn’t train like I wanted to on the ground. I’ve tried a little muay Thai [since the surgery], but my elbow was a little swollen. I need to get my elbow better first, so I don’t have any future problems with it.”

Cane indicated he turned down the opportunity to fight in March, but he believes he will be at full strength soon.

“I told them I’ll be ready to fight from April on,” he says. “I asked to come back later in order to have more time to recover.”

Cane’s recent surge inside the Octagon paid off in some financial security, as well, as the UFC inked him to a new contract in wake of his victory over Sokoudjou three months ago. Apparently, UFC brass likes what it sees.

“They’re enjoying my work,” Cane says. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t have renewed my contract. They’re cutting several athletes, so, without a doubt, they’re enjoying my work. I feel very happy with that.”

Cane also addressed rumors of a potential bout with countryman Anderson Silva, the reigning UFC middleweight champion who has moonlighted at 205 pounds and seems likely to continue to do so in the future. Silva -- the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, according to Sherdog.com -- will likely defend his 185-pound belt against Thales Leites at UFC 97 in April.

“It was only a rumor,” Cane says. “There are people who try to get a scoop but only say nonsense. It was nothing. Anderson’s the best in the world, among all weights, and he’s a very hard opponent for anyone.”

Though his disqualification loss to Irvin at UFC 79 in December 2007 still stings -- he lost after he struck Irvin with an illegal knee 1:51 into the match -- Cane has no interest in a rematch with the heavy-handed Californian. At the time, some questioned whether or not Irvin was as wounded as he appeared.

“To be frank to you, I’m not thinking about that guy,” Cane says. “I try to look forward, and I don’t see him. I don’t resent him. I’m focused on my career. I have nothing personal against him or anyone else, but there’s no reason for me to fight against this guy again.”