MMA fighter Josiah Harrell was diagnosed with rare brain disease Moyamoya shortly before his UFC debut, necessitating brain surgery and putting his fighting career on hold, but Harrell remains grateful and hopeful about his recovery and potential future in MMA.
A shocking twist to his career journey surprised Josiah Harrell just when he was less than a day away from making his UFC debut after he replaced Sean Brady, earlier this month. Harrell had successfully weighed in for his UFC 290 match with Jack Della Maddalena. However, life came at him unexpectedly with life-altering and potentially life-saving news.
Harrell narrated the events leading up to the revelation in his typical direct manner. He described returning to the hotel after the weigh-in where his MMA coach Tim, and manager Maurice, confronted him with a serious expression. Realizing something was amiss, Harrell recalled asking them for the news. They delivered the blow, revealing his diagnosis with Moyamoya, a serious brain disease affecting blood flow to his brain, and his imminent need for brain surgery. Trying to wrap his head around the information, his immediate concern was if it was treatable and if his status in UFC remained unaffected.
Subsequently, reflecting on his life, Harrell’s thoughts saw a mixed bag of emotions. He cherished his history in sports, excelling in football and wrestling before discovering MMA. Overcoming financial challenges and personal struggles, including an overlooked admission in the University of Cincinnati football team, he eventually found himself in MMA. After receiving the news that he has a rare brain disease, needs weeks of tests before he can schedule an appointment for brain surgery, and putting his UFC debut on hold, the undefeated 24-year-old chose to focus on the positive. Despite battling varied emotions and a bit of frustration about the delay, Harrell expressed excitement and gratitude. He sees this as an opportunity to explore his full potential if his ailment had been limiting his capabilities so far.
With a growing acceptance of his situation, Harrell also reflected on past incidents that might indicate complications from Moyamoya. He shared instances where he experienced symptoms, such as being off-balance and understanding language improperly, which align with the disease but weren’t identified previously. Harrell has also communicated with Vince Murdock, a fellow UFC hopeful who has the same disease. Murdock’s experience provided hope to Harrell as Murdock resumed his career after a brief hiatus. Looking at his journey so far, Harrell is hopeful about the assistance from UFC for his recovery and is determined to return to the octagon. However, if it doesn’t work out, he is keen on utilizing his experiences towards helping others dealing with the same disease. Irrespective of the future, Harrell’s newfound appreciation for life and maturation is a victory in itself.