Bas Rutten Undergoes Neck Surgery

Former UFC champion and current co-host of AXS TV's Inside MMA, Bas Rutten, notified fans via Facebook on Sunday that he was going in for neck surgery.

The surgery began Monday morning with the intention of giving Rutten strength back in his right arm. According to Rutten via Yahoo! Sports, the impinged nerves in his neck caused him to lose so much strength in his right arm that he was unable to do one five-pound curl. 

Before heading into surgery, Rutten had this to say to his fans via Facebook:

I don't know if the text shows with the pics, but tomorrow morning I will get my neck surgery at 7AM (Pacific). They will fuse three discs together in my neck which will make space for my nerves that are caught right now, and then hopefully I will get my strength back!

I will let you guys know when I am awake and able to post something!

Godspeed, you all are great!

Rutten, who failed to lose a professional MMA fight during the final 11 years of his career (21-0-1), surprised many with the news he was going in for the surgery—with the exception of those people close to him.

Following the surgery, Rutten posted a picture of himself from the hospital bed wearing a neck brace with the words (via Yahoo! Sports), "OK, Im awake, will let you all know more when I know more. Thanks for all the 'Best wishes', much appreciated!"

For now it appears the surgery to create space for the impinged nerves in his neck was successful, although Rutten won't know for sure until he gets up and about again.

Rutten has been in close contact with fans through his Facebook page in which he has also been posting photos leading up to and immediately following his surgery.

Joe Chacon is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and a staff writer for Operation Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @JoeChacon.