Did MMA star Shannon Ross fight with a ruptured appendix for a UFC contract?

UFC flyweight Shannon Ross recently proved why MMA is undoubtedly one of the most challenging sports to compete in. His story about fighting with a ruptured appendix for a UFC contract is an example of how hard it is for athletes to get an opportunity at the heighest level of the sport.

Ross is set to make his promotional debut against Kleydson Rodrigues at UFC 284 this weekend. However, the journey to get a contract was a harrowing one. Participating in the latest edition of Dana White's Contender Series, Ross faced Vinicius Salvador.

Though the 33-year-old Aussie suffered a second-round TKO loss, he still scored a UFC contract on account of putting up an excellent display against his opponent. However, he was not prepared for what came the next day.

In a recent pre-fight presser, Shannon Ross narrated the story of convulsing and shaking the day after his last fight due to a ruptured appendix and septicemia, after disregarding the growing discomfort in his stomach as weight-cut hunger:

"I had appendicitis all fight week, and it was ruptured before I actually went out to the fight... The doctor told me I had appendicitis for four to five days for it to get to this stage... My manager told the UFC staff and had been in contact with them... After finding out what happened, they said they came to sign me... I think they want to see what I can when I am healthy."

Watch the full interview below:

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Shannon Ross ruptured appendix: What is Appendicitis?

Ahead of UFC 284, Shannon Ross shared his story of suffering from a ruptured appendix and subsequent blood poisoning before his DWCS bout. A ruptured appendix, also known as appendicitis, is the most common cause of abdominal pain resulting in surgery in the United States.

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix, a small pouch-like organ attached to the intestines, becomes inflamed due to a blockage. When this happens, the appendix becomes blocked, and bacteria can multiply inside it. This can lead to pus and swelling, which can cause painful pressure in your abdomen. Left untreated, appendicitis can also cause your appendix to burst.

If that does happen, bacteria can spill into your abdominal cavity, which can be severe and sometimes fatal. Shannon Ross also suffered from septicemia, more commonly known as sepsis. It is a clinical term for bacterial blood poisoning and a hazardous condition resulting from untreated appendicitis.

While treatment is known and readily available, it usually involves abdominal surgery and extended use of anti-biotic medications.