Josiah Harrell out of UFC 290 bout due to rare brain disease
It has been a whirlwind of a week for Josiah Harrell. On Sunday, Harrell agreed to step in on short notice and fight Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290. That was a life-changing opportunity for Harrell; however, pre-fight medical exams found that Harrell has moyamoya, a rare brain disease. Now, he is off the card and will undergo brain surgery.
Per his manager Maurice Blanco: Josiah Harrell’s #UFC290 pre-fight brain MRI may have saved his life. He was diagnosed with moyamoya syndrome, a rare disease that results in blocked arteries at the base of the brain. He will undergo a brain procedure soon. https://t.co/vYfG17SJmL
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) July 7, 2023
Harrell, 24, is a promising young fighter that competes in the lightweight division. The prospect found himself on the UFC radar after starting his career 7-0 on the regional scene.
As much as Harrell’s short-notice UFC debut was a massive opportunity for his career, it may have saved his life. Harrell’s manager, Maurice Blanco, told ESPN that the diagnosis is a “blessing in disguise.”
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, moyamoya is a rare brain disease that is caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain. As a result, blood flow is impaired. The disease can be fatal if it is not treated.
The prospect of picking up additional brain trauma from fighting would only cause more negative side effects while increasing the chance of sustaining a fatal injury.
The condition was unveiled when Harrell had to undergo an MRI as a part of his pre-fight examinations for UFC 290. This was the first time that Harrell has to undergo an MRI for an MMA bout. This is because a pre-fight MRI is not required in every state.
Harrell is now set to undergo brain surgery to address the condition. It is expected that he will be able to return to competition once he is fully recovered.
Harrell is not the fight fighter to be diagnosed with moyamoya. Previously, Vince Murdock faced a similar incident and eventually made his MMA return.
At 24, Harrell will have plenty of time to make an MMA comeback once his disease is treated.
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