Ed Herman: I'm shooting to get back in there around May or June depending on my recovery. I'll have to talk with Joe Silva about that, but I'm getting more and more excited each day. It's really hard to describe how excited I'll be at that time. I think it takes a situation like this to really see things for what they are. I've said this before, but it's going to be like a new start for me. I've been running around in training like a little kid because I've never really understood how good I had it. I can't even describe it. I can't wait to get back in there and redeem myself and show the fans that I'm back and at it one hundred and twenty percent.

FiveKnuckles.com: Well Ed, there's a lot of people out there pulling for you that can't wait to see you get back in there and get after those fights the way you know how and I'm one of them.

Ed Herman: Thanks man. I've had nine fights in the UFC, my next fight will be my tenth. I'm coming back prepared to make my tenth one count and start working my way up again. You know, I'm just hitting my prime. I'm only 29 so I'm still young in this sport. I didn't start training until I was 22 or 23.

FiveKnuckles.com: Some of the best fighters in the middleweight division are getting up there in age, not that it's necessarily a factor, but it's only natural that there's going to be a passing of the torch and fighters like yourself, Alan Belcher, Kendall Grove and Nate Marquardt amongst others are the future.

Ed Herman: That's the plan. It's all about hanging in there. I'm going to get healthy and come back strong. I can't wait, I'm excited. Chris Leben was in getting ready for his fight at UFC Fight Night 20. I was in there training with him as he got ready. He picked up the win so he's making his comeback too.

FiveKnuckles.com: Is there anybody you would like to thank?

Ed Herman: I'd like to thank all of my teammates and Greg Thompson and Nate Quarry from Next Level. They've helped me out a lot with my recovery. I'd like to thank one of my main sponsors ABS and everybody that's stuck behind me including Warrior Wear. I'd like to thank the UFC for backing me up and all the fans for their continued support.

*Follow Ed on Twitter @shortfusepdx

**Tommy Kail is a former athlete at the collegiate and professional levels and has been involved with sports his entire life. He is passionate about advocating for MMA athletes by shedding light on them as individuals and giving you a take you might not get anywhere else.