‘The Crank’ beats COVID, eyes Nov. fight

In this file photo, Frank “The Crank” Camacho, left, ducks and hits Australia’s Damien Brown during their bout in UFC Fight Night 121 in Sydney in 2017. Camacho won via split decision and and will be looking for victory No. 3 in UFC when he returns to the octagon cage in November. (Contributed Photo)

One down, one to go for Frank “The Crank” Camacho.

The Marianas warrior won his battle against COVID-19 after his recent test yielded negative results, giving Camacho clearance to return to training with his fellow MMA fighters at Team Oyama in Irvine, California.

“It was tough, but I am thankful I KO’ed COVID-19. I got tested last night (Wednesday morning on Saipan) and results came out negative, so I had my first training today (yesterday). After my 10-day isolation, I had no symptoms, but I want to make sure. The last thing I want is to spread the virus to my teammates if I still have it and I am just asymptomatic,” said Camacho.

With his battle against COVID-19 over, Camacho will now focus on getting ready for his fight—possibly in November this year.

Frank “The Crank” Camacho, extreme right, enjoys a light moment with his Team Oyama teammates before resuming his training session yesterday in California. (Contributed Photo)

“Nothing is set in stone yet, but we’re looking at the November timeline and to fight in Las Vegas again. I definitely need to restart my training and it will take two to three weeks to get back into that fighting shape,” the 31-year-old said.

Before COVID-19 hit him, Camacho was supposed to duel Brok “Chata Tuska” Weaver in the UFC Fight Night 177 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas last Sept. 12. The UFC Fight Night 177 was one of the two events the Ultimate Fighting Championship has scheduled for this month in Las Vegas with the other one, the UFC 253: Adesanya vs Costa set for Sept. 27. The next five UFC events will then move to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“People from my managing agency (Iridium Sports Agency) are on their way to Abu Dhabi and I’m still waiting word from them. Personally, I don’t want to go to Abu Dhabi and would prefer fighting in Las Vegas, probably second or first week of November. We’ll see what happens,” Camacho said.

UFC has lined up four competitions for November, with the first two slated for Nov. 7 and 14 an the last scheduled for Nov. 21 and 28.

Frank “The Crank” Camacho is COVID-free and will get ready for his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship stage in November. (Contributed Photo)

As for his opponent, Camacho said he wouldn’t mind fighting Weaver, but it’s up to the UFC. He added that he has yet to decide whether to return to Guam or stay in California while waiting for his fight—the last in his second contract with UFC.

Meanwhile, Camacho thanked all the people who supported him in his bout with COVID-19.

“The support I got was just phenomenal. I received a lot of encouraging messages from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Guam, and those in the mainland who have roots from the Marianas. I just felt so blessed to have family, friends, coaches, and teammates behind me. Thank you so much,” the Team Oyama standout said.

After surviving COVID-19, Camacho reiterated the need to stay vigilant and responsible at this time of the pandemic.

“Own up to our health, don’t stress out to things we can’t control. Stay active, hydrated, take our vitamins, and have enough rest. We must also be responsible, not only for ourselves, but for others, especially those who are more vulnerable to the virus. Wear our mask, wash our hands, and watch our distance.”