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[sousuke22]

From Tapology Blog.

UFC welterweight Mike “Quick” Swick told Tapology’s Steven Kelliher that he is set to receive medical attention for severe esophageal spasms next Tuesday. He expects to return to the Octagon as early as January, though an opponent has not been determined.

Although fans were unaware of Swick’s medical condition until the tech-savvy fighter posted a video blog discussing the situation this past August, he has been afflicted with painful esophageal spasms and acid reflux for over four years. The spasms, according to Swick, can be triggered from something as little as a grain of salt, and have limited his ability to consume full meals for several years.

Swick came into the UFC as a middleweight and reeled off five straight wins in the division before losing a Unanimous Decision to Yushin Okami in 2007. After the loss, Swick dropped to 170lbs in what most fans thought was an attempt to even the playing field by competing against opponents closer to his size and strength. Swick, however, said that was not the case. In fact, Swick said his medical condition and his rapid weight loss led directly to his decision to drop to welterweight.

The medical procedure Swick will receive on Tuesday will involve an injection of botox directly into his esophagus. Doctors hope the chemical will partially paralyze the organ and therefore decrease the likelihood of a painful spasm, which Swick said can last hours.

If the procedure is unsuccessful–it has a 60% success rate–Swick said he will consider going under the knife in 2011, though friends and many doctors have advised against that course of action. Regardless of what happens next week, however, Swick said fans can definitely expect to see him fighting in January.

The American Kickboxing Academy standout had risen to prominence in the welterweight division from 2008-09, but he has since lost back-to-back fights to Dan Hardy and Paulo Thiago, respectively.

Check back at the Tapology Blog early next week for an exclusive interview with Swick, as the fighter discusses his struggles with the spasms in greater detail, insurance battles, the dangers of undergoing surgery, his recent performances, and whether or not a return to the middleweight division could come on the heels of a successful recovery.

[foutch550]

I met Swick years ago right before he fought Marcus Davis. He seemed to be a really down to earth guy. He just always seems so damn skinny when he gets in the octogon. I guess that happens when you cant consume full meals. Looking forward to seeing him back.

[sousuke22]

Originally Posted by foutch550

I met Swick years ago right before he fought Marcus Davis. He seemed to be a really down to earth guy. He just always seems so damn skinny when he gets in the octogon. I guess that happens when you cant consume full meals. Looking forward to seeing him back.

Word.

I'm surprised he's coming back in January whether or not this procedure works. Hopefully it does, obviously, but I guess he needs the money or wants to remain active. One more loss and he could be on the chopping block. If it were anyone else--say, Dan Miller--I could see the UFC giving him another chance after three straight losses, but White and Co. have a public history of not liking to deal with AKA, so they might send a message to the camp if he loses again.

[rodzilla1988]

I really hope this goes well for him as I remember reading that this has given him serious problems before fights nad probably cost him a few. Either way I really like him as a fighter and has always been one of my fav's. WAR SWICK

[moonrocker]

like to see Quick rematch with Hardy.

[One-Way]

Best of luck!

I hope this works for him. Been a fan since his TUF days.

[sousuke22]

It's funny how we tend to jump on guys who make excuses for losses, but in a situation such as this, one really has to question whether or not Swick would have lost to Hardy and Thiago had he been in proper condition. In the Hardy fight in particular, it's not like Hardy looked especially good IMO, but rather that Swick looked especially bad.

[DanC]

I'm really glad now that Swick has been properly diagnosed that he can receive the treatment he needs. Can't wait to see him back in the Octagon!