Former Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion Ross Houston is out of his upcoming Bellator London bout against Steven Hill and has announced his retirement from the sport.
‘The Hitman’ was set to re-enter the cage after a 4 year lay off, on September 14 but due to a failed medical, has had to withdraw.
Taking to social media, the Scotsman broke the news, he said:
“Hi guys so some bad news..
“Unfortunately due to a failed medical I will not be fighting on September 14th despite doing literally everything I could possibly do in my power to try and make this happen.
“Apologies to my opponent Steven Hill but this has been taken out of my hands..
“I feel in absolutely incredible shape right now , ready for anything so for this to be taken away from me is devastating to say the least.
“I’ve had almost a 4 year lay off from the sport & 16 weeks ago I made the decision to make the hard climb back to fight shape & speed and have 1 last run at the sport.
“My reason was this...
“I have given so so much time , energy & health over the last 15 + years. Never been handed anything .
“I’ve fought my way up & paid the blood price to get into the position I am in & just wanted the chance to take some of the rewards of hard work back to my family. I just wanted to go out on my terms. No one else’s .
“For someone to take this decision out my hands is a hard one to take.
“So guys , In terms of my professional MMA career this is the end of the road for me. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a final showing or 2. I feel like if it was meant to happen it would & someone or something is just telling me it’s not meant to be.
“On a more positive note , MMA has definitely given me more ups than downs over the years.
“The sport has come so far from when I first started. The level of talent coming through MMA now is incredible &
Im happy to say I’ve met some great people on my journey and wouldn’t change any of it.
“I am proud of myself for taking a world title from the fight game & grateful that it has given me such an amazing , thriving gym where I can continue trying to help build up the next generation of martial artists.
“Thank-you to all my coaches , training partners , sponsors , support & everyone else involved who I’ve met over the years.
“It’s been some ride
“HH”
In a professional career that spanned 8 years, Houston competed 10 times and for a number of promotions including Cage Warriors and Bellator.
One of his most notable fights came in 2019 when he faced Nicolas Dalby at Cage Warriors 106 in his first title defence. The bout was scheduled for 5 rounds but was called to a halt midway through the third, when the cage floor was so covered in blood, it was difficult for both men to stay standing.
In his last bout, Houston faced the then Bellator poster boy, Michael 'Venom' Page in his promotion debut with Bellator. Although he lost by way of unanimous decision, Houston pushed MVP all the way and gave a good account of himself.
