Mixed martial arts fans have expressed their concerns about Israel Adesanya’s health as he appears to be dealing with some issues ahead of his title-defence.
The Kiwi-Nigerian fighter, who remains undefeated since his promotional debut two years ago, will march on his first official title-retention attempt this Sunday, when he headlines the UFC 248 fight card opposite Yoel Romero.
While the match-up has raised many eyebrows, with the Cuban powerhouse getting the title shot despite coming off two-straight losses, Adesanya has been vocal about his desire to share the cage with one of the scariest 185-pounders in the roster.
“This is the biggest fight of my career thus far. I’m ready, two more weeks, I can see the finish line,” he said in a previous interview (per Essentially Sports).
“ I want to be the first man to stop him properly.”
However, Adesanya’s recent appearance on Combat TV, where a rash/cut was seen on his forearm, has sparked speculations he may not be in full fighting shape this weekend.
Check out the video below:
MMA fans think the middleweight champ has staph infection.
Adesanya’s camp has yet to release a statement about the issue but it looks like there are slim chances the middleweight title bout will be cancelled.
https://twitter.com/StoneyMMA/status/1234304025199169537
@stylebender Bruh, tell me that staph infection – ish ain't real.
— Justin Credible (@CredibleIAM) March 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/blkman35/status/1234327764582502401
https://twitter.com/3rdPartyHomicid/status/1234324022567063555
Hopefully this filthy staph infection on Adesanya’s arm doesn’t stop him from competing at #UFC248
Vid: https://t.co/LrqENvpNZF pic.twitter.com/bSacbfYk2Z
— Zillian The Host (@Diogo_999_) March 2, 2020
In 2017, Dr. Ray Monsell of the Association of Ringside Physician, commented whether mixed martial artists with staph infection should be given the green light to fight.
“An athlete may compete with a non-MRSA infection if he/she have been treated with oral antibiotics for 72 hours. There also needs to be no new lesions or systemic symptoms (fever, fatigue) and no active draining lesions for 48 hours.”
“For suspected MRSA infections the athlete may compete if he/she have been treated with oral antibiotics for a minimum of 10 days. There also needs to be no new lesions or systemic symptoms (fever, fatigue) and no active draining lesions for 10 days as well. When an abscess is present – MRSA should be suspected.
“No one should be allowed to compete with an active draining lesion/abscess.”
UFC 248 Countdown: Watch the full video for ‘Adesanya vs. Romero’ https://t.co/N0mki2rcSJ pic.twitter.com/HZPmqyMyln
— James Artha (@JamesArtha1) March 1, 2020
(Featured Image Source: YouTube/ Combat TV)