Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman is preparing to make his comeback to the sport after more than two years of recovery and rehabilitation following a devastating leg break in his last fight. Weidman is set to fight Brad Tavares at UFC 292 on August 19, and he is not shying away from the worst-case scenario. In fact, Weidman plans to throw the hardest leg kick of his life during the fight to face his fear and get it out of his system.

Weidman hopes Tavares won’t check his first leg kick and just let it land. Weidman underwent two surgeries and months of rehab to recover from the injury, which occurred when Hall checked a kick 17 seconds into their fight at UFC 261. He has documented much of his recovery journey on social media, and is now ready to return to the octagon.

Weidman acknowledges that Tavares is a tough opponent, but also admits that it’s a safer option for his comeback than some of the others that could have happened. He faces a fellow veteran of the UFC middleweight division who is more known for his gritty performances rather than his knockout power.

Weidman believes that it’s important for him to work his way back up and take it smart. All eyes will be on how his leg holds up during the fight, and Weidman can expect to see the footage of his injury replayed ad nauseum.

Weidman was recently caught off guard when he saw a new angle of the injury during a documentary shoot, which showed in gruesome detail how his bones shot out of his leg and blood spilled out. Despite this, Weidman is optimistic and feels as good as he ever has.