Eubanks releases statement on kidney failure
Sijara Eubanks: “I was hospitalized early this morning for kidney failure but best believe I’ma be right back training and right back after that belt.”
The culture of extreme weight cutting has injured another fighter. Sijara Eubanks was hospitalized while cutting weight for the inaugural UFC women’s flyweight championship in the main event of Fridays TUF 26 Finale.
Her kidney’s failed. She didn’t die. But your kidneys failing is really bad for you. It’s a terrible injury.
The fighter posted a message on her social network.
“First of all, I’m a champion. Point blank,” she began. “I will be UFC champion, but it’s God’s will that it won’t be Friday night. I’m a gangster and I’ve cut more weight than most male fighters, and unfortunately there were some miscalculations this cut, no excuses, I worked my ass off and went out on my shield. I was hospitalized early this morning for kidney failure but best believe I’ma be right back training and right back after that belt. This game is full of ups and downs, true champs know that and bounce back.
“Nicco and Roxanne I’m sure will have a great fight, and best wishes to both those ladies. True class, those two. Nothing changes, I’m still the queen and I will claim my throne. T
“Thank you to all my coaches, friends and family and the wonderful staff at UFC. God is good and I am truly blessed.”
Eubanks is an incredible fighter, a warrior, willing to risk her health and even her life to reach her goal. That’s why there’s regulation, but regulators have failed Sijara Eubanks, mixed martial arts, and their job.
The culture of extreme weight cutting is the most dangerous regulatory issue in MMA. Andy Foster, executive director of the California State Athletic Commission has created a 10 Point Plan to fix the deadly problem. It works. The ABC medical committee supports it. The ABC has adopted it. The UFC supports it and will continue to adopt further parts of it.
If Eubanks has died, the Nevada State Athletic Commission would implement it. She didn’t die, so they aren’t. The NSAC is not meeting their solemn duty to protect the health of welfare of people so amazingly game their will to win exceeds their will to live.
