UFC’s Rodolfo Vieira undergoes medical exams – unsure if he’ll ever fight again

UFC middleweight and five-time jiu-jitsu world champion recently underwent a cerebral angiogram after an MRI scan revealed a suspected possible congenital condition.

Vieira was scheduled to meet Wellington Turman at UFC 270 in January. However, the Nevada State Athletic Commission vetoed his participation in the bout just hours before the event.

At the time, mandatory pre-fight MRI scans revealed a possible congenital disorder in Vieira’s brain. Months after suspicions were raised, the fighter underwent a cerebral angiography this last Tuesday.

A congenital disorder is a condition that is present from birth. Congenital disorders can be inherited or caused by environmental factors.

In an Instagram post, Rodolvo Vieira wrote:

“After months of waiting I just had the cerebral angiography I needed, everything went well. Now I’m here in the room waiting for the doctor to come and tell me what I really have and if I’m going to be able to continue fighting MMA.”

“without a doubt today is the hardest day of my life, whatever it is, I trust in my God and I know He will do the best for my life as He always did!”

Cerebral angiography is a type of medical exam that provides images of blood vessels in and around the brain. The exam is performed to diagnose possible bleeding, aneurysms, clots, and tumors. It is an invasive procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the blood vessels and a contrast agent is administered.

Vieira is one of the most accomplished BJJ practitioners on the UFC roster right now. The Brazilian won five world championships and was for a long time one of the strongest competitors in bjj.

During his BJJ years, he submitted world-championship names like Marcus Almeida, Andre Galvao, Leandro Lo, and Rubens Charles.

After transitioning to MMA, Vieira went 8-1 as a mixed martial artist.

Hopefully, Vieira can recover and continue his illustrious career.