Rousimar Palhares undergoes successful knee surgery, aims to return in July against Jake Shields

World Series of Fighting (WSOF) welterweight champion Rousimar Palhares is usually the one causing his opponents to go under the knife following one of his vicious leg lock submissions, but "Toquinho" had the roles reversed yesterday (Fri., March 13, 2015) when he underwent a procedure on his left knee.

MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz first reported the story, noting the Brazilian had arthroscopic surgery on his knee in Rio de Janeiro, and the champ expects to resume training in about two weeks time to set up for his title defense against former UFC contender Jake Shields in July.

Thankfully for the leg lock specialist, everything went smooth on the operating table, and he let his fans know on Instagram that he is in good spirits following the procedure.

A photo posted by Toquinho Palhares (@toquinhomma) on Mar 14, 2015 at 7:06am PDT

His words:

I know that nature, faith and the power of our brain our mind are major forces in the search for the cure. Yesterday my surgery went very well, so I really appreciate the work done by the great doctors @cruzflavio and Luiz Felipe Mattos that lead very well the entire procedure, may God always enlighten your life's.
Thanks for all the prayers and positive energy from all my friends and fans! #Protection #Faith #Health #RestoreTheHumanMachine

Palhares is 2-0 in WSOF since getting the boot from UFC brass following "unsportsmanlike conduct" for holding on to a submission long after his opponent Mike Pierce had tapped in their UFC Fight Night 29 showdown.

Could a victory over Jake Shields put the Brazilian back in good graces with UFC brass en route to an Octagon return?

Only time will tell.