Uriah Hall was set to fight former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night St. Louis, but health issues arose before the weigh-ins and the fight was called off.
Hall recently participated in an Instagram Live Q&A, where the fighter says doctors claimed he could’ve died if the fight with Belfort had gone on.
“I was in the hospital, of course, and it was probably the most dramatic experience I’ve ever had,” Hall said. “I mean, I was in and out of it. I was conscious, but I was unconscious. I knew what was happening, but I was fighting over it. I was punching. I think I had a mini-seizure and at the same time a slight heart attack. My kidneys were just not good. I was so ready to freaking throw down, but you know what? (Expletive) happens. The doctor even said, even if I made weight, I probably would’ve died the next day because my body wasn’t having it. Like I said, I’m never going to ignore my health again. I did it for the fans, I did it to get paid, I did it to make sure I showed up, but at the end of the day, man, your life is not worth it.”
UFC President Dana White claimed that Hall wasn’t taking his training seriously and should consider a move to light heavyweight in the future.
One thing that Hall would definitely like in the future is another chance to fight Belfort.
“I’d love to fight Vitor again if he gets his panties out of a bunch,” Hall said. “I heard he’s complaining. Dude, it’s a fight man. (Expletive) happens. Obviously we can scrap again. Obviously I have to get better, but I would love to fight him. I definitely want to give him a proper retirement fight.”
If the bout with Belfort had gone on as scheduled, it would’ve served as the retirement fight for the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
