The past eight months have been nothing short of frustrating for Bellator light heavyweight Jordan Young.

The undefeated fighter hasn’t competed since November – and it’s not due to his own choosing. Despite being healthy, in the gym, and improving every day, Bellator struggled to book him a bout.

“I’ve been in the gym getting better,” Young said. “I’ve also been on the phone with my manager trying to get a fight. It really hasn’t been my decision to be out this long. But it’s part of the game. Time is something that us as humans don’t have control over.”

The inactive streak is the fourth lengthy break Young (10-0 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) has had in as many fights. Since mid-2017, Young has waited an average of 6.75 months in between each bout. The balancing act between improvement and experience has been a tough one for the American Top Team product.

“Honestly for me, it’s been kind of a forced balance when I’m not able to get fights for 8-9 months at a time,” Young said. “There’s nothing I can do. There are times I’m just forced to get in the gym and get better. Other times, like when I first signed with Bellator, I fought my first in January and my second one in April. That was much more of an active schedule for me. My first year with Bellator, I believe I fought three times.

“The difference I’ve noticed from then to now is that obviously the more active you are, the better your financial situation is. So, the happier your life is. Also, the more active you are, the more of a roll you’re able to get on. The more comfortable you are in your process and what it is you’re doing. So, when you have long periods of time like this, I won’t say it hinders anything or is a necessary negative, but it’s not beneficial toward getting in a routine or a groove.”

Friday night, Young will finally get his wish. The 24-year-old light heavyweight will return to action at Bellator 224 at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The card will air live on Paramount Network following prelims on MMA Junkie.

Squaring off with Young will be undefeated prospect Joel Bauman (3-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), who recently scored a highlight-reel victory at LFA 68.

“This is the fourth or fifth opponent that I’ve been through in preparation for this fight,” Young said. “You say viral, but I peeped the kid’s social media and he has like 1,500 followers or something. You’re going to have to go a little bit more viral than that. He’s young in his career, and you have to bring something to the table to eat. I’m not even going to mention his name like that.

“He has been lucky enough to sneak into the position through my misfortune of having multiple opponents fall out. When I sit back and look at the fight, I think why he would take this fight at 3-0 coming up a weight class he’s never been? He must be feeling very bold.”

For more on Bellator 224, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.