MMA star Michael Smolik diagnosed with brain tumour just days before huge fight
MICHAEL SMOLIK’s career has been derailed by a brain tumour – just days before one of the biggest fights of his life.
The German middleweight, who boasts a 5-2 professional record, was completely unaware of the potentially life-threatening growth in his brain.
But he received the life-changing news after finally visiting a doctor following months of post-training bouts of sickness.
The 32-year-old bravely revealed his diagnosis on his YouTube channel, saying: “The whole thing started two months ago.
“I got sick while jogging.
“After that, I kept feeling sick during training sessions. I thought it would go away at some point. But it got worse.
“I then went for an MRI. That’s where the doctors discovered the tumour.”
Scores of Smolik’s followers and MMA fans took to his Instagram to offer their well wishes, with one saying: “Always by your side.”
Another said: “More strength and health brother!”
And another said: ” wish you all the best, every struggle makes you stronger.”
One remarked: “Get well soon Michi!!”
Another chimed in: “We wish you a lot of strength from the bottom of our hearts.”
Smolik’s diagnosis comes just days before he’s due to be back in the cage.
The Fight Club Gelenskirchen ace was due to take on social media star Ringlife a week on Saturday at Legacy Crossover Fight Night.
Legacy chief Karim Akkar told BILD: “I’m incredibly sorry for Michael.
“He is in top form as a boxer. Now it’s just a matter of Michael getting well again.”
Ringlife reacted to Smolik’s diagnosis on Instagram, sharing his YouTube video and writing “get well soon” as a caption to his story.
Despite Smolik’s withdrawal, Ringlife will remain on the card – facing veteran Rafael Bejaran.
He said: “It is very important to me to offer my fans a hard and honest fight.”