Retired MMA veteran and former UFC fighter Javier Vazquez has been diagnosed with colon cancer.
Doctor’s reportedly only discovered recently that the 41-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace had the disease and he has already had a stage 3 tumor removed.
Still gravely ill, he’s now facing six-months of chemotherapy and so friends of the highly respected former fighter and coach are helping raise funds for his treatment with a Go Fund Me account, which can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/prof-javier-vasquez-cancer-relief
Over $29,000 of Vazquez’s original $35,000 Go Fund Me target has already been acrued in just two days, offering a clear illustration of just how loved and respected ‘Showtime’ is within the martial arts community.
One of the sport’s good guys, Vazquez compiled a 16-5 record over the course of his MMA career and after becoming King Of The Cage’s lightweight champion back in 2001 he would go on to fight for the likes of Elite XC, WEC and then finally make it to the UFC.
However, Vazquez only had one fight in the Octagon, a unanimous decision victory over Joe Stevenson in 2011, before surprising fans by announcing that he was going to retire from the sport.
Since then Vasquez has been focusing on his own Jiu-Jitsu academy, but he’s now stepping away from that in order to focus on his health.
Read the full message explaining Velasquez’s situation below courtesy of his Go Fund Me page.
“Friends:
Professor Javier Vazquez was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. A stage 3 tumor was removed. He is extremely ill and experiencing a number of life obstacles on top of embarking on 6 months of chemotherapy.
Once his immune system is up for the task, he will go through 6 grueling months of chemo in CA. Funds will be needed immediately. These funds will not only help cover the expenses of his medical treatments, but also assist in any additional expenses as he has decided to step away from his Jiu-Jitsu academy to focus on his health and recent divorce battle.
We also ask for prayers for Professor Javier, his two kids, and his family in this trying time. Messages are welcome as well. Professor Javier’s current situation is very dire. Your donations are so greatly appreciated. Va con dios.
Again, the link to donate is: https://www.gofundme.com/prof-javier-vasquez-cancer-relief
