Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion, Mauricio Rua, was forced to withdraw from his UFC Fight Night 117 main event rematch against Ovince Saint Preux, which took place late last month in Saitama, Japan.
“Shogun” suffered a debilitating knee injury and could not work through the pain, which eventually sent him to surgery. The good news is, the apologetic Rua is expected to make a full recovery after going under the knife.
“Last night I had surgery on my left knee, and thank God everything worked out well,” Rua wrote on Instagram. “I already started my physical therapy today, so I can get healthy soon to comeback stronger! It was very hard for me to have to step out of a fight due to injury, and I want to thank my doctors, my physical therapist and his team for all the help, and to you all for all the messages of support! Thank you!”
Saint Preux went on to submit late replacement Yushin Okami, though it did little to improve his ranking at 205 pounds. Still sitting firmly at No. 6, “OSP” is just one place behind Rua, who stands fast at No. 5.
The Brazilian is expected to make his return in first quarter of 2018.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion, Mauricio Rua, was forced to withdraw from his UFC Fight Night 117 main event rematch against Ovince Saint Preux, which took place late last month in Saitama, Japan.
“Shogun” suffered a debilitating knee injury and could not work through the pain, which eventually sent him to surgery. The good news is, the apologetic Rua is expected to make a full recovery after going under the knife.
“Last night I had surgery on my left knee, and thank God everything worked out well,” Rua wrote on Instagram. “I already started my physical therapy today, so I can get healthy soon to comeback stronger! It was very hard for me to have to step out of a fight due to injury, and I want to thank my doctors, my physical therapist and his team for all the help, and to you all for all the messages of support! Thank you!”
Saint Preux went on to submit late replacement Yushin Okami, though it did little to improve his ranking at 205 pounds. Still sitting firmly at No. 6, “OSP” is just one place behind Rua, who stands fast at No. 5.
The Brazilian is expected to make his return in first quarter of 2018.
