When Uriah Hall was forced out of last weekend’s UFC co-main event against Vitor Belfort, UFC president Dana White was pissed.
Despite Hall being hospitalized with a reported seizure, Dana White blamed the incident on the UFC middleweight’s lifestyle choices. Stating, “The guys at the UFC (Performance Institute) said he’s the, what’s the word – he doesn’t take it serious. He doesn’t take his training serious, he doesn’t do what anybody tells him. He does his own thing. A week before the fight, he went to L.A. and was hanging out in L.A. in clubs and stuff. So, not good.”
“He texted me [Sunday night]. He’s back in his room. Obviously he’s not good. And if you don’t cut weight the right way and you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, this is what happens.”
“What I think he needs to think about is fight at 205. Fight at 205 or show up and do what you’re supposed to do. There’s ways to cut weight properly and safely. You need to start doing that. That’s why we are encouraging everybody to come to the UFC Performance Institute. That’s why all the guys down there do what they’re supposed to do and do it the right way, cut weight safely. The guys who don’t listen, this is what happens. And much like Kelvin Gastelum and the Johny Hendricks and the other people out there – if you can’t make that weight, then fight at the higher weight division.”
Now, after feeling better, Uriah Hall reveals that he actually had a heart attack and a seizure, and he has issued the following response to Dana’s harsh words.
“I was in the hospital, of course, and it was probably the most dramatic experience I’ve ever had. 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.
….
“As far as clearing up the air with Dana, I heard I was partying in L.A. What else was I doing? I wasn’t taking my training seriously, and I wasn’t following procedure, there you go. You mean to tell me my entire career, all of a sudden I’m going to party in L.A.? It’s too funny man. Oh my God. But that’s what happens when you don’t come out – a lot of speculation.”
