Russian middleweight contender Muslim Salihov has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming UFC Fight Night 277 card in Macau. The fighter announced he recently underwent a surgical procedure on his elbow, which will require a recovery period and prevent him from competing as planned.
The event, set to take place in Macau at the end of the month, was slated to feature a matchup between Salihov and Australian fighter Jake Matthews. This planned bout will no longer occur as scheduled due to Salihov's medical situation.
Salihov shared the news with fans through his social media channels, expressing his disappointment at the timing of the injury. He acknowledged that setbacks are an unfortunate part of the sport and can occur when least expected. The fighter also posted a photograph from his hospital room, providing a visual update on his condition.
Despite the setback, Salihov conveyed an optimistic message about his recovery timeline. He indicated that the rehabilitation process is expected to take only a couple of weeks, suggesting a relatively minor procedure. He expressed confidence in returning to full training and competition soon.
The veteran competitor also addressed the UFC fanbase directly, expressing regret that they would not get to witness the scheduled contest. However, he made a firm commitment to return to the octagon and deliver exciting performances in the future, signaling his intention to remain an active part of the middleweight division.
This withdrawal creates a gap in the UFC Fight Night 277 lineup. The promotion will likely need to seek a replacement opponent for Jake Matthews or adjust the card accordingly. Salihov's absence removes a notable name from the international event's roster.
The UFC Fight Night 277 event in Macau represents one of the organization's continued efforts to host major mixed martial arts cards in the Asian market. Losing a fighter of Salihov's caliber is a minor blow to the card's overall depth, though the event will proceed with its remaining scheduled bouts.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.