The struggle to compete consistently inside the octagon continues for UFC featherweight Ryan Hall.
Hall (9-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) on Wednesday announced a recent complete tear of his ACL, which he suffered in training. The injury not only knocks him out of an Aug. 13 matchup that was in the works, but he’s out for 2022 entirely.
According to Hall, he recently underwent surgery – his sixth in the past 14 months. He eyes an early 2023 return if all goes well with his recovery.
“6th surgery in 14 months today,” Hall wrote on Instagram. “Not sure who has my voodoo doll, but if they could stop stabbing it, I would really appreciate that…
“Had just agreed to a fight on August 13th, but a bit of bad luck in training resulted in a complete tear of my ACL. Started the year really hoping to fight a bunch in 2022, as well as compete at ADCC, but with the recovery being what it is, that won’t be in the cards.
“I’m very grateful to have the best group of friends and family I could ever hope for supporting me during this time. I know that, with their help, I’ll be able to work hard and grow through the experience.
“Now that we’re on the other side of the procedure, can’t wait to get to work in rehab and be back better than ever in the early part of 2023.”
Hall, 37, struggled to find willing opponents after he won his first four UFC appearances. The COVID-19 pandemic and injuries further delayed his return and resulted in a completely inactive 2020. In 2021, Hall returned and was knocked out by Ilia Topuria. Since then, he bounced back with a December 2021 unanimous decision win over Darrick Minner.
