Perennial motion fighter Andre Fili was scheduled to face Lucas Almeida at UFC Vegas 70 on February twenty fifth, nevertheless, the 32-year-old was compelled to withdraw from the bout after present process emergency surgical procedure.
‘Sensitive’ Fili took to social media to disclose that he had not too long ago began experiencing imaginative and prescient loss in his proper eye, and a fast choice was made to go underneath the knife to appropriate the issue. He posted a narrative on his socials of himself sitting on a sofa the place he had his pet canine (apparent good boy) in his lap, a neck pillow engaged, and an enormous eye patch taped to his face.
“Began shedding imaginative and prescient in my proper eye,” Fili wrote. “Had emergency surgical procedure and acquired it mounted. I’m very grateful. Love you all. Thanks for checking in on me. I’m sorry I can’t placed on a present for you guys Feb twenty fifth, however I will likely be preventing later this yr and I will likely be World Champion. They’ll by no means break us. O & U.”
It’s an sadly flip of occasions for the longtime Workforce Alpha Male product. He simply acquired by snapping a three-fight winless hunch with a cut up choice over Invoice Algeo this previous November, and was doubtless hoping to convey that momentum with him in opposition to Almeida later this month. Fili has not revealed precisely what brought about his eye damage, or how lengthy his rehab journey will take, so there’s no telling when he’ll get again within the Octagon.
Hopefully restoration goes as easily as potential. Eye accidents are not any joke. On high of being a possible profession ender, they will additionally completely alter an individual’s high quality of life. Sure, Michael Bisping gained the belt with one eye, however he’s the exception, and never the rule. Fili’s acquired a fame for being more durable than a $2 steak, so hopefully he bounces again from this with ease.
Marcel Dorff snagged a screenshot of Fili’s social media story:
In regards to the writer: Eddie Mercado has lined fight sports activities since 2015. He covers all the things from betting odds to dwell occasions and fighter interviews. He holds a 1-0 document in professional MMA and holds a purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu. (full bio)