Rizin Prospect Igor Tanabe to Step Away from MMA After Rare Disease Diagnosis

イゴール・タナベに関するお知らせ

RIZINファイターの #イゴールタナベ/@fatninjabjj は、12月はじめに病院にてMRIを撮ったところ、「もやもや病」との診断を受けました。… pic.twitter.com/fP4qr1QrfX

— RIZIN FF OFFICIAL (@rizin_PR) December 28, 2024

Rizin Fighting Federation prospect Igor Tanabe will be stepping away from mixed martial arts indefinitely after being diagnosed with moyamoya disease.

The Japanese promotion recently revealed that Tanabe received an MRI in early December and was diagnosed with the condition. It is unclear when — or if — the 24-year-old Tanabe will return to fighting.

“Due to the diagnosis that MMA, any sport involving blows to the head, and the extreme dehydration that comes with weight loss are extremely dangerous, Igor has had to step back from competitive martial arts for a while,” read a statement from Rizin in a release. (via Google Translate).

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain in an area called the basal ganglia.” While the disease is primarily found in children, it can also affect adults, leading them to experience a “hemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding into the brain.” Other symptoms of moyamoya disease can include headaches, seizures, disturbed consciousness, involuntary movements, vision problems and cognitive and/or sensory impairment, per NINDS.

Known as “Fatninja,” Tanabe has compiled a 5-0 record since beginning his professional career in 2021, with his last three appearances — all first-round finishes — coming under the Rizin banner. Most recently, Tanabe choked out UFC veteran Shinsho Anzai at Rizin 45 last December. He also owns notable wins over the likes of Daichi Abe and Melvin Manhoef. Tanabe has competed at both welterweight and middleweight in recent bouts.

“It is said that there is no cure for moyamoya disease, but I have made the impossible possible,” Tanabe stated in the release. “I will definitely recover and fight in front of you all again.”