A pivotal flyweight bout between Ray Borg and Brandon Moreno has been derailed for a third time.
While the first two cancellations were because of injuries to Borg (the second one caused by Conor McGregor during his UFC 223 media day rampage), this time, the cancellation has to do with Borg’s newborn son, Anthony, who has been battling through some health issues that necessitated brain surgery.
Anthony was diagnosed with hydrocephalus last week. Hydrocephalus, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, “Is a condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. The excessive accumulation of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) results in an abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles. This widening creates potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain.”
Because of the seriousness of the issue, Borg and his son were moved to Children’s Hospital in Denver, where Anthony underwent brain surgery to insert a shunt in his brain earlier this week. Though they initially thought the surgery was a success, Borg later provided an update noting that Anthony would need a second brain surgery.
“Unfortunately, Anthony needs to go back into surgery. The shunt was placed in a spot of his brain that just doesn’t quite work for him. Due to the high possibility of failure of the shunt the doctor ordered to have him back in the operating room for replacement of the shunt,” Borg wrote Thursday on Twitter.
Anthony was in and out of surgery on Friday, which Borg said went well before adding that there are still numerous difficulties to deal with and the family is expecting more tough times ahead.
“Anthony’s second surgery went well, but he unfortunately is having complications breathing and is hooked up to a breathing respirator,” Borg wrote on Friday. “He also underwent a blood transfusion this morning along with being hooked up to an EEG machine to check for possible seizures. Tough times ahead, thank you for your continued prayers.”
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Considering the gravity of the situation, it’s understandable that Borg found it necessary to withdraw from the bout with Moreno, which was scheduled for just three weeks from now in Santiago, Chile. The timing should allow UFC officials enough notice to schedule a new opponent for Moreno or at least replace the bout on the UFC Fight Night 129 fight card, which has undergone numerous changes in the past week.
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) April 24, 2018
Anybody who complains about how hard life is, or cries about not getting the new I phone or new x box etc. I encourage you or some one you know to spend 24 hours in a children’s hospital. You will realize quickly how good you have it compared to these children.
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) April 25, 2018
Thank you to everyone for their positive thoughts and prayers during this time and much thank you to the Children’s hospital of Colorado and all of their staff. Anthony’s surgery was a success. ?? pic.twitter.com/vOMyel78Sg
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) April 25, 2018
Unfortunately Anthony needs to go back into surgery. The shunt was placed in a spot of his brain that just doesn’t quite work for him. Due to the high possibility of failure of the shunt the doctor ordered to have him back in the operating room for replacement of the shunt. ?? pic.twitter.com/JgqYtJLoWD
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) April 26, 2018
Update: ?? pic.twitter.com/tKJBErBJLE
— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) April 27, 2018
