It’s been well over a year since Alan Belcher’s last Octagon appearance.

The most recent Belcher siting came in technical decision loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 159 after an unintentional eye poke that rendered “The Talent” unable to continue.

We vaguely remember the middleweight phenom who strung together four consecutive finishes over the likes of Patrick Cote and Rousimar Palhares, but rather the man who dropped consecutive contests to Yushin Okami and Bisping. Needless to say—it’s been a while since we’ve seen the Belcher that stole the hearts of fans.

But the wait is almost over as Belcher has his sights set on a return to the octagon during the summer of 2015.

“I’m eyeing a return in the summer of the coming year,” Belcher told The MMA Corner. “I have my sights on making a big impact when I return to the octagon.”

Belcher came to the UFC in 2006 and has since held steady in the promotion’s middleweight division. Outside of a light heavyweight bout with Sean Salmon at UFC 71 and a catchweight fight with Wilson Gouveia in 2009, 185 pounds is all Belcher has ever known. But that too is about to change.

“I’m thinking I’ll return at 205 pounds,” said Belcher. “I feel more complete at this weight and it’s what I feel is right. For the last year I’ve walked around at 230 pounds. The weight cut to 205 is much easier on my body and allows me to feel better when I fight. I feel stronger and have more energy when I don’t make the cut to 185 pounds.”

Belcher has spent the last several months focusing on his family while beginning his own business related to the sport of mixed martial arts.

While an official return date has yet to be established, look for the newest addition to the light heavyweight division in the summer of 2015.

 

Follow @GarrettDerr on Twitter.

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