The UFC agrees as top-ranked flyweight Askar Askarov asks for his release to get his health in order

UFC flyweight Askar Askarov has penned an emotional message to fans on Instagram, letting them know he has asked for his release from the UFC while he heals up.

Askarov last stepped into the octagon back in March when he fought Kai Kara-France. The Russian fighter came up short, losing via unanimous decision and suffering the first loss of his MMA career.

The 30-year-old has been due to return to the octagon twice, but on both occasions there has been an issue preventing Askarov from fighting. He was set to face Alex Perez before an undisclosed injury ruled him out of the fight in July of this year.

Following the canceled bout with Perez, Askarov was instead scheduled to face Brandon Royval at UFC Fight Night 212 earlier this month. 'Bullet' once again withdrew from the fight, this time on one day's notice, citing issues with weight management.

Translated to English, the post reads:

"Assalamualaikum, due to my return being delayed due to medical reasons and being my last fight under my contract, I asked UFC to release me. To which, I received a positive response. First, let's put our health in order, and then we will see what and how."

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UFC flyweight Brandon Royval confirmed Askar Askarov declined catchweight fight

Brandon Royval was understandably upset when he learned his fight against Askar Askavor was being cancelled only one day before he was set to step into the octagon.

The bout was scheduled to pit the No. 4 and No. 5 ranked flyweights against one another, with both men vying for their first shots at the 125lb strap.

Royval appeared to have confirmed that the fight was off first, before dropping the bombshell that Askarov had apparently declined to fight altogether:

"Woke up at 127… before I started the weight cut I heard my opponents not going to make weight. Wanted a catch weight, apparently still not happening, so it looks like the fight is off. Heartbroken but thank you @tylermintonnutrition for another easy weight cut. We stay professional on our end."

While the news was understandably disappointing for Royval, the latest developments with Askar Askarov and his release from the UFC point to more significant factors being at play.

It would appear the Russian contender has been plagued with issues and injuries for some time, and is instead taking time away from MMA to heal without risking more fight cancelations.