The UFC released Canadian welterweight Jonathan ‘The French Spider’ Meunier, reportedly citing concerns over brain health. It is believed Meunier underwent surgery in 2010 to remove an arteriovenous break from his brain.
For what it’s worth, an online resource described that as: “… defective tangles of arteries and veins that can interfere with circulation in the brain, spinal cord or other parts of the body. Over time, an AVM can grow larger and lead to tissue damage. In some cases, the blood vessels may break in the brain causing a stroke.”
New UFC owners WME-IMG have reportedly changed practices and determined they were unable to ensure the fighter’s safety. Thus Meunier was released from his contract, despite coming off a decision win over Richard Walsh at UFC Fight Night 101 on November 27, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.
However, the fighter’s surgeon, Dr. Genevieve Milot, and neurologist Dr. Robert Filiatrault had cleared Meunier.
Meunier was quickly signed by Canada’s TKO MMA.
Since the operation, Meunier has participated in 40 fights, including nine as a professional, without any issue or side effect but more significantly without any change in the images of his brain. As stated by Dr. Filiatrault himself in his report: Jonathan is not in any greater danger than anyone else practicing his sport. The surgery was a success and there are no possible side effects thereof related to his sport.
The last few months have been difficult for the Quebec City athlete and, after a long soul-searching process, he has opted to show the world that he has all the tools to be considered one of the best 170-pounders on the planet. His greatest disappointment has become his greatest motivation and his training is now more intense than ever.
In front of his hometown fans at Quebec City’s Videotron Centre in May Meunier will make his big return to the cage in order to claim the vacant TKO welterweight championship. Many big names have worn that title in the past, including the legendary Georges St-Pierre. Will Jonathan Meunier be next?
The addition of such a talented and charismatic athlete like Jonathan Meunier is great news for our organization and our fans,” said TKO President Stephane Patry. “We are also very concerned with the health of athletes but after having consulted with neurological specialists, our doctors and the neurosurgeon that operates on Jonathan as well the Quebec athletic commission, I am very confident in our decision to go against the UFC’s position and welcome Jonathan with open arms.
The UnderGround applauds the UFC for showing an abundance of caution around the issue of head trauma. The fighter’s courage must likewise be honored, as does the judgment of highly-respected medical experts and the commission.
And lastly, the nickname. He’s a fan of Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva, and Quebecois. So The French Spider.
H/T Tweets by michaelfiedel” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Michael Fiedel for MMA-Today.
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