UFC heavyweight Todd Duffee has, in his own words, “been on a wave,” but that doesn’t mean he’s cruising out to a competitive sunset.

Duffee (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC), who a little more than a year ago suffered a brutal knockout loss to ex-champ Frank Mir, told MMAjunkie Radio he is getting his life in order and recently returned to school. He’s advancing his life outside of the cage.

But contrary to what his friends might think after a such a loss, he’s still very much invested in fighting.

“Everybody I see, even two months after that fight, they’re like, ‘What are you going to do now?’ I’m like, ‘Keep fighting, I thought. Was it that bad, guys? Somebody not telling me something?’” Duffee told MMAjunkie Radio.

It was pretty bad. Duffee was laid out by a counterpunch from Mir, who surprised him by standing in the pocket and brawling. Usually, it’s Duffee who comes out ahead in those scenarios. This time, it was a little different.

Duffee can only give Mir his respect after such a result, even if he feels confident he would “beat Frank nine out of 10 times.”

As for what’s next, Duffee doesn’t have anything set. But a rematch with the ex-champ wouldn’t be so bad.

“That one I want back, but I don’t know if it’s reasonable or feasible at this point,” he said.

Duffee might have to wait a while – Mir (18-11 MMA, 16-11 UFC) was notified of a potential anti-doping violation following a knockout loss to Mark Hunt (12-10-1 MMA, 7-4-1 UFC) and now faces a two-year ban from UFC anti-doping partner USADA. It’s unlikely the promotion will push for another fight any time soon given the first result, so Duffee would be wise to look elsewhere.

The sure thing is that he is looking to get back into the cage in the near future. Asked when he’d like to return to the octagon, he named UFC 205 on Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“That’s what I’m hoping for,” Duffee said.

And if the UFC is looking for a logical fight that would appeal to him, they could do worse than assign Travis Browne, who like him has picked up a lot of hype and been forced to deal with heavy setbacks.

At the banner UFC 200 this past month, Browne was stopped late in the first round by ex-champ Cain Velasquez. The loss followed a third-round TKO over Matt Mitrione.

“That could make sense,” Duffee said. “That makes sense to me. That would be a great fight.”

So there’s a drop in the bucket for the UFC matchmaking staff. But one thing should be known for the rest of UFC fans: Duffee isn’t going anywhere.

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show, available on SiriusXM Ch. 93, is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia and producer Brian “Goze” Garcia. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.