Kayla Harrison has been ruled out of her bantamweight title defence against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 in Las Vegas next week after having surgery on a neck injury.
In a video on Instagram, an emotional Harrison, who can be seen wearing a neck brace while lying in a hospital bed, apologises before adding “this is day one of recovery”.
The bout with Nunes, which was set to be the co-main event at the T-Mobile Arena on 24 January, is set to be rescheduled.
“This is a tough one. I had to have surgery on my neck yesterday here in New York City,” said Harrison.
“We’re going to have to reschedule the fight. I just want to say I’m sorry to Amanda, I was really looking forward to it, and I just want to thank everyone.
“I want to thank the UFC for taking such good care of me, the doctor, my mum who is looking after my kids at home and I want to thank my coaches.
“This is day one of recovery, the road back starts now. I’m sorry guys. I’ll be back soon.”