Mark Cherico injured, uncertain about future in competitive MMA
Mark Cherico is a name that is synonymous with mixed martial arts in Pennsylvania’s steel city of Pittsburgh. “The Pride of Bloomfield” began fighting in 2008 and put together an incredible nine fight win streak as an amateur before turning pro in 2012.
His first loss would come in 2014 to current UFC fighter Brian Kelleher. He would not lose again until three years later while performing in front of UFC President Dana White while seeking to earn a contract on the Contender Series.
Two losses in nine years.
The story could end there and nobody would argue that although Cherico never made it to the UFC, he had an absolutely incredible career on the regional circuit, one that would hardly ever be matched.
Cherico sat at home and contemplated calling it a career. It looked as if the 33-year fighter, husband, and father would never compete again. Nagging injuries had plagued Cherico throughout his career and the decision seemed to make sense.
But that is when an opportunity came knocking.
Cherico was set to come out of retirement mode and headline 247 Fighting Championships: Brawl in the Burgh 2 on November 16. The card which will be held from the Printscape Arena in Canonsburg, PA was slated to be Cherico’s first fight in more than two years.
Unfortunately last night we learned that fight against Joey Munoz will not happen.
“I reinjured my neck,” Cherico told MyMMANews.com “I’m losing a considerable amount of strength in my left arm.”
“I honestly don’t know if I’ll fight again,” Cherico said. “I’ve got a good career and I don’t know if it’s worth trying to go again and f**king up my neck worse.”
MyMMANews.com did reach out to 247 Fighting Championships President Ryan Middleton who did confirm that Cherico had told him he cannot compete on November 16. Middleton states that a replacement has been identified but that contracts have not yet been signed.
We will keep you updated as more information on Brawl in the Burgh 2 becomes available.
We at MyMMANews.com want to wish Mark Cherico a speedy recovery and if this truly is the end of his career, “Thank you for the memories Mark.”
