MICHAEL SMOLIK's career has been derailed by a brain tumour – just days before one of the biggest fights of his career.
The German middleweight, who boasts a 5-2 professional record, was completely unaware of the potentially life-threatening growth in his brain.
But he received the life-changing news after finally visiting a doctor following months of post-training bouts of sickness.
The 32-year-old bravely revealed his diagnosis on his YouTube channel, saying: “The whole thing started two months ago.
"I got sick while jogging.
"After that, I kept feeling sick during training sessions. I thought it would go away at some point. But it got worse.
READ MORE IN MMA
Conor McGregor backed for epic return by UFC legend following training clip
UFC star unrecognisable with shaved head with fans stunned by 'the new look'
"I then went for an MRI. That’s where the doctors discovered the tumour.”
Scores of Smolik's followers and MMA fans took to his Instagram to offer their well wishes, with one saying: "Always by your side."
Another said: "More strength and health brother!"
And another said: " wish you all the best, every struggle makes you stronger."
Most read in MMA
MAC LIFE CRISIS
McGregor ‘going through mid-life crisis and not coming back’ to UFC
MAC IN ACTION
Conor McGregor backed for epic return by UFC legend following training clip
ALL IN CHAND
Chandler reveals McGregor fight could headline UFC 300 amid drug testing claim
MAC TO IT