Nicco Montano Issues Statement On UFC 228 Withdraw, Criticizes UFC & Valentina Shevchenko
Former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Nicco Montano withdrew from UFC 228 on the day of weigh-ins due to health concerns surrounding her weight cut.
The move proved to be a costly one for the fighter, as the UFC would promptly strip Montano of the flyweight title.
While Montano is still recovering from those health issues, it didn’t stop her from issuing a statement on the craziness surrounding the weekend, criticizing both the UFC and UFC 228 foe Valentina Shevchenko.
It was through Instagram that Montano released the statement:
Here is a full transcript of what Montano wrote:
“I want to say thank you to all my continued supporter, unfortunately my first time ever missing weight means the loss of my title that I’ve worked my ass off for. And if you ask me it’s completely uncalled for, there have been plenty other fighters who have not been punished for a lot more, unfortunately I’m not one to be running my mouth so I don’t bring in the big bucks.
I had stopped sweating early, my kidneys shut down, and I had an imbalance of electrolytes, my sodium levels were way too high. When I got to the hospital the doctor had told me that it was the best idea, that if I had waited even 30min longer it could’ve led to cardias issues. With that said I had no intention to drop out of the fight. I looked good at open workouts. There have been multiple occasions where athletes after the TUF show have been metabolically impaired. It take a little longer to allow yourself the time to bounce back to your proper weight. In my case it was that with the accusation of illness and injury.
I had asked for a fight in October knowing this and had some legit people on my side also asking on my behalf, however the matchmaker and whoever else only gave the September at to choose from. So with no other choice and with the internet backing a lying bully (Valentina), I was forced to accept the date or have the threat to get stopped anyway.
This was the only time I signed a contract the statements this egomaniac (Valentina) has said are completely false and nowhere near the truth. Her idea of the reality is so far fetched so the fact that she trained for me 3 times must mean a couple things, she’s obsessed with me and has too much time on her hands. Not only has she been disrespect and jealous of my efforts and accomplishments also blocking me first on Instagram during her first fight at 125, but the fact that she takes pride in kicking a person while their going through surgery and having their kidneys shut down truly demonstrates what a martial artist should not be!
I did everything I could to make weight in the amount of time offered to me, I had no choice but to. Luckily I have a documentary being made following this entire process and it will soon be available for everyone to witness themselves.
When you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place you stick up your dukes and get down to it and that’s precisely what I do and will continue to do.
The plan for now is to be able to live a healthy lifestyle for the longevity of my career and livelihood. Until I can confidently adapt my body and walk around at a lighter weight I will keep doing all that I can when it comes to making indigenous lives matter and will not be hushed in terms of the wrong doing that has been established, not only with my people but also with me.
Never have I experienced working with an opponent who is so heartless and disrespectful, you can absolutely guarantee I’m coming back to make my stamp and take back my belt.”
Shevchenko will still get the opportunity to become the UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion, as UFC President Dana White says she should be fighting a yet to be named opponent for the vacant title later this year.
