Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir has undergone emergency spinal surgery, requiring fusion and laminectomy of his entire thoracic spine.
Mir, who has been training in martial arts since the age of four, shared the news with his followers on social media, confirming that the procedure was a complete success.
“Although it was a tough decision, I’m happy to report that the surgery was a complete success,” Mir stated. “Now, I’m diving into rehabilitation and focusing on my recovery. This is just another challenge that I intend to overcome, and I’m committed to coming back stronger, both mentally and physically, than ever.”
The surgery came after Mir experienced concerning symptoms, including significant strength loss in his right arm. In a detailed account, Mir described how his bench press capabilities dramatically declined from 385 pounds in August to struggling with 365 pounds just two weeks later. Medical examinations revealed he had lost substantial cartilage between vertebrae four, five, and six, resulting in bone-on-bone contact that was pinching nerves to his arm.
The news has prompted an outpouring of support from the combat sports community. Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo commented, “Get well soon Legend,” while veteran referee Mike Beltran offered, “Heal up brother. Prayers for a speedy recovery.”
Mir’s upcoming scheduled appearance against Fabricio Werdum at the GFL MMA launch will likely be affected by this development as he focuses on his rehabilitation journey.
