R. Lovato after winning the Bellator belt. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @bellator
Sad news took the MMA world by surprise at the end of January. Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Lovato announced that he has been diagnosed with cavernoma, a disease that results in poor blood vessel formation in the brain. After confirming the condition, the athlete announced that he will give up his title so as not to harm the progress of the division. The information was released this Monday morning (10), by 'MMA Junkie'.
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“My journey with my team and family to become the Bellator Middleweight Champion has been incredible. I will remember it forever. I dreamed of having a long reign as champion, but sometimes life has other plans. Bellator has been very supportive during this difficult time, something that has never happened before in our sport,” said Lovato.
Rafael then confirmed again that he will step away from the sport for treatment and announced that he will give up his title in favor of the division and organization.
“I know the division needs to move forward while I'm out and I hope everyone has great fights on their way to the belt. I will be working to return if possible. If not, life continues to be amazing for me and I hope to work for Bellator in another area”, concluded the American.
With 10 fights in his career and undefeated in his professional MMA career, Lovato became Bellator champion in June last year, when he surprised the world and defeated Gegard Mousasi. The athletes came to an agreement to hold a rematch, however, Lovato's unhappiness prevented the confrontation from happening.
Currently, Rafael is 36 years old. The athlete debuted in mixed martial arts in September 2014.
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