However, it wasn’t the vicious KO that kept him on the sidelines, it was his struggles with health issues.
John Hathaway was suffering from ulcerative colitis, a severe bowel disease that leads to inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of the colon or large intestine. The welterweight fighter was diagnosed with the disease in 2010 which prevented him from returning following his loss in 2014.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, ‘The Hitman’ detailed his battle with the disease and revealed that it was only two years ago that he started to get back into shape:
The Brit had to undergo three surgeries to restore his health and pursue his dream as a competitor.
When will John Hathaway fight next?
John Hathaway previously made an effort to return to the octagon. However, it wasn’t successful. The British welterweight fighter was booked to take on Gunnar Nelson in 2015 but had to withdraw from the bout for not being physically ready.
As Hathaway prepares to finally make his comeback, it appears that he will have a fight outside of the UFC to see where he stands as a competitor. During the aforementioned interview with MMA Junkie, Hathway revealed that he will compete in OKTAGON MMA before potentially returning to the UFC:
John Hathaway will feature on the OKTAGON 36 card that will take place on October 15, 2022 in Festhalle, Frankfurt. While it will mark his return to MMA, the British fighter has already competed in a grappling contest earlier this year. Hathaway, 35, took on Jack Grant in May at GrappleFest 12, but lost via decision.
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