UFC star Lucas Alexander was rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties following his fight in Saudi Arabia last weekend, with paint fumes being identified as the cause.
The incident occurred during the undercard of Israel Adesanya's bout against Nassourdine Imavov.
Alexander, who suffered a second-round knockout defeat to Bogdan Grad, required ventilator treatment after experiencing respiratory issues at the venue.
The fighter was later released from hospital after receiving medical treatment to help open his lungs.
UFC star Lucas Alexander was rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties following his fight in Saudi Arabia last weekend, with paint fumes being identified as the cause
Alexander later revealed details of the incident on Instagram, describing a "really strong smell of paint fumes" in the locker rooms with poor air circulation.
"The ones close to me know I suffer with severe sinus issues when it comes to different smells and seasonal allergies," he explained.
The fighter spent three hours in the affected environment before his bout.
JUST IN:Warren Gatland sacking demanded by furious Wales rugby fans after Six Nations defeat to Italy
"For 3 hours I felt dizzy, had low energy and felt like I could fall asleep any minute. By the time I was supposed to warm up, I could tell I was super flat," Alexander wrote.
He attempted to compete despite the conditions.
Following the fight, Alexander was taken to hospital due to shortness of breath and experienced continuous symptoms.
READ MORE:Luke Littler's legal team 'threatening to sue pub' after £5,000 splashed out on new branding
"After the fight I was taken to hospital due to shortness of breath and over the next several hours couldn't stop a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and wheezing," he added.
"I went back to hospital the next morning and received a breathing treatment with cortisol to open my lungs and sent home with an inhaler to use multiple times a day."
Alexander was not the only fighter affected by the venue's air quality issues.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik also reported experiencing problems due to the paint fumes at the Saudi Arabia event.
Rozenstruik, who was defeated by Sergei Pavlovich, later blamed the fumes for his performance.
UFC star Lucas Alexander recently lost to Bogdan Grad in Saudi Arabia
GETTY
"After a strong fight week, I felt dizzy on Saturday due to the paint fumes," he wrote on social media.
Following his release from UFC after the loss, Rozenstruik remained defiant: "While this chapter closes, my story is far from over. I will continue to fight, take on new challenges and settle unfinished business in the cage."
