In mid-July, it was revealed that Lowen Tynanes was out of his ONE Lightweight Grand Prix semi-finals fight. Now, in late August, we have learned what caused this late withdrawal.
In a recent post to Instagram and a post of the news on Twitter, Tynanes shared that the development of spondyloarthritis led to his tournament exit. According to the American College of Rheumatology, this inflammatory rheumatic disease “attacks the spine and, in some people, the joints of the arms and legs.” This form of arthritis differs from other types as it “involves the sites where ligaments and tendons attach to bones called entheses.” Further development of spondyloarthritis may result in spinal fusion. Side-effects range from back pain, joint pain, tiredness, fatigue, and potential aortic valve inflammation. Around 1% of American adults are impacted by spondyloarthritis. The disease typically affects males within their 20’s, Tynanes just shy of turning 29 in October. Medication, physical therapy, and “joint-directed exercises to promote spinal extension and mobility” can help to alleviate symptoms.
Here is his full statement:
Tynanes began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2011 following in the footsteps of his father. In only his second fight he captured an incredible upset over Eduard Folayang, Folayang recently becoming a two-time ONE champion. This led to Tynanes’s first shot with the Singapore promotion capturing a third-round submission over kickboxing and Muay Thai veteran Vuyisile Colossa. Four more victories followed including a second victory inside ONE and a title victory under King of the Cage. Tynanes would then sign an official contract with ONE Championship securing three more victories from May of 2015 to April of 2016.
For a chance at a $1 million cash-prize, Tynanes was selected and paired with Honorio Banario in the ONE Lightweight Grand Prix quarter-finals. He put together an excellent performance after a near three-year hiatus, landing a powerful takedown and maintaining top-control until finishing the fight with ground & pound strikes in the first. Tynanes was then matched with fellow quarter-final victor Timofey Nastyukhin in the semi-finals match planned for August 2nd. As a result from these unfortunate circumstances, Tynanes was pulled from his bout last month. Nastyukhin, as well, exited the tournament due to a knee injury. Former Bellator and UFC champion Eddie Alvarez replaced Tynanes in the tournament who had suffered an initial loss in the quarter-finals to Nastuykin. Alvarez came out victorious in the semi-finals match-up over Nastuykin’s replacement, the aforementioned Folayang.
Tynanes remains undefeated with ten professional victories to his resume, seven of those coming by stoppage. The Hawaii-native trains out of Hawaii Elite MMA alongside the likes of notables Martin Day, Russell Doane, and Louis Smolka. His younger brother, Micah, wrestles at North Idaho College. Tynanes looks to fight and overcome this disease for a soon-return to competition.
We all wish Lowen the best as he faces this battle.
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