French bantamweight prospect Tom Duquesnoy has been forced to withdraw from a proposed clash with Nathaniel Wood at UFC 232.
“Fire Kid” announced via Instagram on Monday that an “intercostal hematoma” was the reason for his exit. The 25-year-old Paris native has been victorious in two of his first three Octagon appearances, including a decision win over Terrion Ware in his last outing at UFC Fight Night 127. Intercostal muscles are located between the ribs, and any injury to that area can cause pain and difficulty breathing.
“After different MRI and medical exams, an intercostal hematoma will keep me out of training for the next month and a half and unable to compete for the next fight scheduled for December 29,” Duquesnoy wrote. “We are working to re-schedule it for February and for now, it’s time for recovery and medical care. I will keep you informed for the new date of the fight and in the meantime I thank you all for your support.”
It is currently unclear if the UFC will seek a replacement opponent for Wood. The Cage Warriors veteran is coming off a second-round submission of Johnny Eduardo in his Octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 131 in June.