UFC

This is why Blachowicz pulls out of pivotal UFC 297 bout: ”One of the most difficult decisions”

Publicerat

2 år ago

8 december 2023

Former UFC champ Jan Blachowicz. Poto: Per Häljestam – USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC lightweight champion Jan Blachowicz is out of his pivotal fight against Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 297 in January.

In an Instagram post, the former champ explains why he was forced to withdraw from the important bout.

“It wasn’t supposed to be this way. It’s hard to express how I feel because it’s a mixture of anger and sadness. Withdrawing from a fight due to injury is one of the most difficult decisions a fighter can make. However, sometimes there is no other option, especially when you are competing in the TOP 5 and want to put on a show at the highest possible level.

“Instead of fighting for the best shape, I fight with the pain during every training session. I did everything I could, but my shoulders need surgery. In this state, continuing preparations and entering the Octagon would be irresponsible and stupid.”

Jan Blachowicz did not reveal timetable for comeback

Jan Blachowicz did not reveal a specific timetable for his return, however, due to the shoulder surgery we might not see the Polish light heavyweight in the cage in a few months.

At the moment it’s unclear if Aleksandar Rakic remains on the card that also features a middleweight headline bout where champion Sean Strickland takes on challenger Dricus Du Plessis.

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