J. Blachowicz is a former UFC light heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc
Former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) Jan Blachowicz suffered a neck injury that had to postpone his fight against Aleksandar Rakic, originally scheduled for March. What no one imagined was that the situation was much more serious than expected, leaving the Pole paralyzed on the left side of his body. The statement was made in an interview with 'MMA Fighting'.
See too
“I woke up on a Monday feeling a pain in my neck. I thought maybe I had slept poorly, and that's why I was feeling that pain. In the gym, we did some exercises, I was punched in the guard and, soon after, I felt a very strong pain in my neck and I couldn't feel my left hand or the left side of my body”, said Blachowicz.
The Polish man said that the left side of his body was completely paralyzed and admitted how scared he was by the whole situation, which made him seek a doctor immediately.
“I was completely disconnected, paralyzed. So, I think, it's not a normal pain. It's something worse. I went to the doctor, we had an MRI and a 'disc' appeared in my neck, which was pressing on the nerve. That's why I had the feeling that I couldn't feel my left side. It was scary. I didn't know what was happening. I couldn't move my left hand. It was a strange feeling for me. Something new, something scary”, continued the Pole.
Blachowicz revealed that he was relieved not to have to undergo a surgical procedure. The former champion stated that with just four weeks of recovery, he was already back to training.
“The doctor said we would see after three weeks (if surgery would be necessary). If rehab helped, then we wouldn't need surgery. But I'm a lucky guy. No surgery, just rehabilitation and medicine. They put some medicine in my neck, four weeks of rehab and I was ready to start my training again. I was already 100%”, concluded the former belt owner.
Former light heavyweight champion, Blachowicz was dethroned last October by the Brazilian Glover Teixeira, when finished in the second round. Seeking rehabilitation in the category, the Pole will face the Serbian Aleksandar rakic, on May 14th. Jan has a record of 28 triumphs and nine setbacks in professional MMA.
You need login To comment.