White explains why Whittaker was pulled from fight
Dana White: “From what I understand, it wasn’t treated properly and started to eat away at parts of his organs.”
Last week it was announced that UFC welterweight champion Robert Whittaker had been pulled from his title defense vs. Luke Rockhold at UFC 221 on February 11, 2018 at Perth Arena in Perth, Western Australia. Opponent Luke Rockhold is fighting Yoel Romero for the interim belt.
The cause of the switch was an unknown injury. Given Whittaker’s history of knee injuries, that was the consensus guess. However, in a recent interview with TSN, UFC president Dana White said it was a staph infection.
He had staph infection in his stomach, said White, as transcribed by MMA Weekly. From what I understand, it wasn’t treated properly and started to eat away at parts of his organs. He’s in serious condition, so it’s going to be a minute before he’s back, I think. Hopefully, it turns around quick, but that stuff is life-threatening if not treated the right way.
Whittaker referenced his medical issues in a recent message on his social network.
Staph has injured a high number of fighters, as well as regular people who train. LiveStrong offers some simple precautions.
Around 25 percent of the general population normally carries staph on their skin. About 1 percent carry MRSA. With this number of healthy people carrying staph, it is not unusual to come into contact with this germ, particularly at the gym.
Staph is usually transmitted from skin contact with an infected person. Staph is a tough bacteria that can withstand drying, extreme temperatures and salt at high levels. These qualities make it possible for the germ to live on objects found in a gym.
The most common type of infection caused by staph is skin infections such as boils or pimples. A boil is an infection that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. The boil looks red and swollen and may break open and drain pus. Staph can also cause blisters know as impetigo, or cellulitis, which causes skin to look red, swollen and dimpled. If you have these symptoms, do not use gym facilities until you see a doctor.
Draining the boil is sometimes the only treatment needed. Staph, even MRSA can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Be sure to finish all the medicine given for a staph infection.
Some simple steps can lessen your chances of picking up a staph infection at the gym. Don’t give bacteria a way into your body; keep cuts and scratches covered. Take a shower as soon as possible after working out; if you shower at the gym, use your own towel and wear shower shoes. If you can’t shower right away, wash your hands thoroughly.