UFC middleweight Ian Heinisch is stepping away from MMA due to repeated issues with concussions and head trauma, as well as a variety of health problems including ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto’s disease and severe anemia.
UFC middleweight Ian Heinisch recently announced that he is stepping back from his MMA career due to health concerns tied to repeated head trauma and concussion-like symptoms. Heinisch, who is aged 34, revealed on Instagram that his retreat from the sport was greatly influenced by a range of health issues that started with skin troubles. He was given an excess of antibiotics leading to his diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, a condition that caused his stomach to be “completely wrecked” and produced blood in his stool for over a year. Around the same time, he was also diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing Heinisch to become “severely anemic” and flare up before at least one of his UFC fights.
Despite the health challenges, Heinisch was initially able to regain control of his health with the aid of medical professionals and his wife who is a nurse. However, with time, he started to notice more severe health implications associated with his MMA career. He spoke about the repercussions of repeated head injuries, particularly concussions, recalling how a severe concussion caused significant physical and emotional distress, even leaving him feeling as if his brain was disconnected from his body.
Heinisch tried different treatments to manage the worsening state of his brain health, including a process in Mexico that involved the implantation of stem cells into his brainstem. Even regular visits to the McWhorter Chiropractic & Neurological Rehabilitation facility in Denver did not bring any lasting reprieve, and his issues kept cropping back whenever he returned to the gym. Recounting an incident in training, Heinisch mentioned being hit by a knee in sparring, making him feel off-balance and emotionally unstable. After further trial and error with treatment and training, Heinisch eventually decided to step back from MMA.
Heinisch clarified that he was not closing the book on MMA for good, but he needs to heal presently. Turning his attention to aspiring and young fighters, Heinisch advised them to take concussions and their symptoms seriously and not allow anyone to push them to spar or go live before they’re fully recovered. He added that although coaches, management, and other advisors are important, it’s crucial for each fighter to remember that they’re the CEO of their own career and have the final decision.