まもなくLINE LIVE?
K太郎さん待ちですっ??#UFCファイトナイトジャパン pic.twitter.com/pq0h7zxr1T— UFC Japan (@ufc_jp) September 20, 2017
Mizuto Hirota looked incredibly uneasy during his weigh in ahead of UFC Fight Night 117 in Tokyo.
The 36-year-old featherweight was shaky as he slowly stepped on the scale. Footage shows Mizuto stumbling, with officials either side helping to steady him. He missed the required weight specifications by 4lbs.
As Mizuto bowed to the audience, it was clear this simple motion caused him considerable difficulty, and he struggled to regain an upright stance.
Watch the worrying footage below:
Many fans were understandably upset about the incident, with many taking to social media to express their concern.
This is awful to see fighters literally on the verge of dying to make weight.
— ❌EVil Eddie™❌ (@evil_ecco) September 22, 2017
Yeah he looked prepared.
Fighters are killing themselves trying to make weight. It is dangerous
— Gavin Murphy (@gmurphycoaching) September 21, 2017
he shouldn't be allowed fight after that
— paul o donnell (@paull187) September 22, 2017
The UFC have now released a full statement, explaining how Mizuto has now been pulled from the Hirota vs. Rosa bout at UFC Fight Night Japan on health grounds:
Due to health and safety concerns, the UFC featherweight bout Hirota vs. Rosa at UFC Fight Night Japan: Saint Preux vs. Okami has been cancelled, as Hirota was deemed unfit to compete by the UFC medical team.
UFC Fight Night Japan: Saint Preux vs. Okami will proceed as scheduled with 10 bouts at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
Moving to the main card will be the flyweight bout between Jussier Formiga and Ulka Sasaki.
Unfortunately, my @UFC Fight versus Mizuto Hirota was canceled early this morning for his safety by medical doctors. pic.twitter.com/MPPfoCA8Mu
— Charles Rosa (@CharlesRosaMMA) September 22, 2017
We wish Mizuto a full recovery after this scare, and applaud the UFC for making their fighter’s health the primary concern.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.