Another injury for veteran Mirko Filipović, another surgery – he’s been through all of this before and came out strong! Can he do it again, at age 43?
After yet another injury Mirko Filipović has suffered during his training in preparation for the long-awaited match against Roy Nelson, and despite some doubts regarding the course of treatment for Mirko, he’s already had surgery, has awaken from the anaesthesia and has posted on his Facebook page.
In his post, Mirko says:
Dear friends, during my last training in this training session, during sparing, my knee just gave way and I dropped to the floor in pain. I couldn’t stand on my leg, and the magnet in the morning showed what I was afraid of, my ACL has snapped and the cartilage is damaged. I had surgery this morning at the St. Catharine Special Hospital in Zabok! I am really sorry, as I was looking forward to this match, and I was absolutely ready for it, as I went through a top training camp. My apologies to everyone, especially Roy Nelson, as he trained hard for this fight, and now it can’t happen. Unfortunately, this is higher power, there was nothing I could do about it. As soon as I recover I hope that Roy and I get to do that re-match, because I believe we both want it to happen, as well as our fans. Thank you all for your understanding!!
Soon after that, St. Catharine’s hospital also published on their own Facebook page that they took care of Mirko’s knee once more, giving credit to doctors Damir Hudetz, Igor Borić, Eduard Rod and Dragan Primorac, who participated in the surgery and are helping Mirko get back on track.
Mirko also replied to Roy Nelson, who made a statement doubting the veracity of the claims of Mirko’s injury, saying that Mirko was “allegedly” injured.
LOOKING FOR A FIGHT LONDON! If you think you can beat me up! Please hit up @bellatormma @mikekogan scott coker please repost or retweet share. pic.twitter.com/KAca2asrmW
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) May 21, 2018
Mirko directed one of his Facebook posts to Nelson personally, writing in English, apologizing for having to cancel the fight and expressing his hope that when he recovers there will be another chance for the two to meet. Usual recovery time for this type of injury is around 6 months.
Nelson beat Mirko in UFC in 2011, and Mirko has wanted a rematch since. It was supposed to happen in London, at the Bellator 200 event, but has now been postponed until Mirko gets back in shape.
