(“Tell me, was it regular print or construction paper that was responsible for that boo-boo?” – Martin Kampmann’s axe wound.)
After being forced out of his fight with Gegard Mousasi at this weekend’s UFC on FUEL 9 event (a fight that would have earned him a shot at Jon Jones had he won) yesterday, light heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson released a photo of the cut in question earlier today, along with following statement explaining what exactly caused it (via MMAnytt):
During Thursday’s (March 28) passes as we ran wrestling exercises I lost my balance and pitched eyebrow in a very unfortunate way when I hit my head on one burpelaren. Immediately after it happened, I went to the hospital and sewed three stitches. I was quite prepared to compete until the doctors called and told me that cut is unfortunate and will not have time to heal in time until the gala.
It is of course extremely sad when träningscampet has gone very well. In addition to the eyebrow, I am in my best form and completely ready for the match. It is also sad for my opponent, Gegard Mousasi, who has also been training long and hard for this match.
I and my team have done everything we can to get set up and race despite the injury, but the decision is unfortunately not in our hands. I am extremely sorry for this and I feel with Gegard Mousasi. I also suffer with the fans who have been looking forward to this event and this match. Would also like to thank my entire team who have helped and supported me all the way. The next step now is that I sit down with the team and planning the future.
As you know, Gustafsson was eventually replaced by training partner Ikea Laticifer (or something like that), which would be fine and all, had Dana White not tweeted this photo of Gustafsson just hours ago…
(“This pic was taken of Gustafsson today and u can’t even see the cut!!! Worst decision I have EVER seen to pull fight.” –DW, echoing the sentiment of Martin Kampmann’s axe wound via his Twitter.)
Now, far be it from us to disagree with the opinions of Sweden’s finest doctors, but we’re still three days out from UFC on FUEL 9. You mean to tell us that the man above is not medically fit to continue? Gustafsson’s cut required a mere three stitches to seal, stitches that — if the above photo is any indication — have long since been removed.
Granted, a good punch from Mousasi would have likely split that thing wide open, but damn, now we are stuck with a main event pairing a UFC rookie against a 7-2 unknown and a co-main event featuring another UFC rookie battling a mid-tier lightweight/featherweight. It’s pretty much the nadir of garbage-ass by UFC standards.
Let’s just hope this event pulls a TUF 16 Finale and completely blows our expectations out of the water. Just don’t hold your breath waiting.