Brock Lesnar had surgery at May 28, 2011

Hopeful of January 2012 Return

"Brock Lesnar actually had surgery yesterday," said White. "They removed about 12 inches of his colon, repaired it, he feels great.

The UFC is targeting the first event of 2012 for Brock Lesnar's return after he underwent successful surgery this week.

Lesnar is battling a second bout of diverticulitis, a career-threatening disease that forced him to withdraw from his UFC 131 bout with Junior Dos Santos.

There are several ways to treat the illness, but having already opted against surgery once, Lesnar decided it was time to take the more direct choice of action second time around.

He went under the knife to remove about 12 inches of his colon, and now UFC president Dana White is targeting a January return for the former UFC heavyweight champion.

"Brock Lesnar actually had surgery yesterday," said White. "They removed about 12 inches of his colon, repaired it, he feels great.

"He said he's a little sore, but the operation was a huge success. We're hoping he can be back by the first of the year."

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