Matt Brown on the Mend, Wants to Return at UFC Fight Night 40 in Cincinnati

UFC welterweight Matt Brown continues to recover from a back injury that forced him to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Carlos Condit at UFC on Fox 9 on Dec. 14, 2013.

Brown’s wife, Colleen, informed UFC Tonight that her husband is feeling a lot better and his physical therapist has cleared him to do light training.

The top ten-ranked Brown (18-11) would like to return to action in his home state of Ohio at UFC Fight Night 40 on May 10 in Cincinnati. He’d like a top ten-ranked opponent, particularly Rory MacDonald.

MacDonald (16-2) fought at UFC 170 on Feb. 22, defeating Demian Maia by unanimous decision. He is currently fourth in the rankings, but his camp says he has no interest in fighting Brown. MacDonald instead has his eyes on the winner of Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler, who fight for the vacant welterweight crown at UFC 171 on March 15 in Dallas.

Brown is riding a six-fight winning streak. He last competed at UFC Fight Night 26 in August 2013, defeating Mike Pyle by knockout in the opening round.

Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.