Mike Davis has been forced to withdraw from his bout this Saturday night vs. Giga Chikadze at UFC Jacksonville, a.k.a. UFC: Harris vs Overeem. Davis had a bad weight cut and was deemed not healthy enough to continue cutting, or compete this weekend by doctors on site for the event. Davis is not only trying to recover physically but mentally as well, as he was looking forward to this fight, and said as much when I interviewed him earlier in the week on Cage Side with Christopher James.
Davis is devastated with the situation and sincerely feels horrible for himself, and his opponent Giga Chikadze who may not fight if the UFC can’t find a replacement for Davis. Mike sends his sincerest apologies to Chikadze for the situation that affects them both. Davis also wants to let his fans know that he is appreciative of the support they have always given him and said he will be back as soon as he is healthy enough to get back to work.
I reached out to Davis to get a grasp on the situation, and here is his response in his own words in an exclusive statement to Cage Side with Christopher James:
- “When I was offered the fight I was 180.6lbs, the heaviest I’ve ever been. I threw my name in for a fight. Because I fight at 145 they offered Giga for a SECOND time, (already explained that in our interview Tuesday) So I agreed. I don’t care who I fight. So immediately I cut out carbs or I’d never even get close. I do this for a week all while training with Daru and trying to train. Then for a week, I woke up every morning ran 4 miles in a sauna suit with a thick sweatshirt on. I got here Tuesday I was 165 and change. Since arriving, I have run 8 (4×2) miles with the suit on. Rode on the bike for 1hour with a full sauna suit on twice, Did 12- 15 minute Epsom salt baths. Wednesday night I got a sauna finally. Since we had to wait until the May 13th fighters were done using them and they were fully cleaned. Once I got the sauna I did 9-20 minute sessions that night,3 hours. I woke up this morning did ANOTHER 9 sessions in the sauna and 3 extra in the bath. My coaches told me to come down and try and workout. So I go down I do a pad work session with my coach, and can barely make it through a single round. My mouth was so dry and my muscles so tight I couldn’t really move with him. My skin was dry, I’m barely sweating. I panicked for water after doing another session, just to rinse my mouth, and spit it out. Head up to my room. I made it 60° to cool me off and just tried to sleep, and after all that, my weight was only 157lbs. While I was laying down my coach called me and said I don’t sound good and he sent the doctors up. They checked my weight, my appearance, and took note of my kidneys being painful to the touch, and my legs lacking strength. The doctor said I cannot cut any more weight. They called my coach and he, the doctors, the nutritionist all said I cannot cut any more weight or my kidneys could fail completely and they started me on an immediate rehydration program, calling off the fight.”
We are hoping that Mike gets healthy soon, and will keep you updated on Davis’ health situation as warranted.
Christopher James has been in the MMA industry for 15 years, Working as a ring announcer for promotions like the XFC, Island Fights, Combat Night and Fight Nights Global during his career. Chris’ love for the sport and the athletes that partake in it led him to writing and doing face to face interviews with the athletes he admired and respected. Chris isn’t conventional by any stretch of the imagination, he has his own style, and takes pride in not being a “cookie-cutter” member of the media. Unique and sometimes controversial takes are what he brings to the table, forcing folks to think a little differently about the world of MMA. He also has a love for music as he has been a dj for 25 years and his love for music gets brought to the MMA world when he gets his guests to sing on his weekly show Cage Side with Christopher James which can be seen Wednesday nights on FACEBOOK LIVE, and soon via podcast.