LAS VEGAS – UFC Performance Institute director of physical therapy Dr. Heather Linden has dealt with some major challenges when it comes to rehabilitating athletes, and perhaps none bigger than the promotion’s heavyweight champion. Prior to his last appearance in the octagon at UFC 270, Francis Ngannou injured his knee, which required surgery after defeating Ciryl Gane to retain his heavyweight title . Ngannou entered the fight with an MCL tear and damage to his ACL and MPFL. Linden, who won Trainer of the Year at the 14th annual World MMA Awards , recalls the situation she and her team faced in preparing Ngannou to fight, despite the severe damage to his knee. “Rehabbing him three weeks out from major injuries to a world championship,” Linden told MMA Junkie about one of the toughest challenges faced this year