“To the IFL and fans of MMA,
It is with regret that I must announce I will have an assignment with the United States Army that will prevent me from fighting on the 29th of February, 2008. I serve my country with great honor and I am proud of my service.
I would like to thank the MMA, IFL fans, and media that have rallied to my support.
I am sorry I will be unable to provide another exciting fight. Your support over the MMA forums and articles has been extremely humbling and kind.
This fight with Matt Horwich would have been an excellent match up for me and for the fans, as our styles would have made a great fight.
This assignment will not prevent me from other fights this year. As many of you know, I had four IFL and HDNet fights along with five US Army fights in 2007. This is the first fight in 7 years of fighting I will have to miss.
Fighting is what I enjoy and I will return this year!
I would like to specifically thank Kurt Otto and the IFL for their continued support of me and my commitments to the United States Army.
The IFL is a great organization that truly supports its fighters and provides an excellent show for the fans in attendance. I wish them the best and I hope they will give me another chance to win the IFL belt this year.
All the best,