Matt Brown 'almost shed a tear' after ankle injury took him out of UFC Fight Night 78

Injuries are a part of mixed martial arts (MMA) and not just in combat, but in preparation.

Such has been the case in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) more and more.

The injury bug's most recent victim, No. 5-ranked welterweight Matt Brown, who was pegged to face The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 17 winner Kelvin Gastelum in the UFC Fight Night 78 headliner in Monterrey, Mexico later this month (Sat., Nov. 21, 2015), took to the "Great MMA Debate" podcast (via FOX Sports) to clear the air surrounding the ailment he suffered during training at his Elevation Fight Team camp.

"I tore a ligament in my ankle and had to pull out of the fight. I feel real bad I had to pull out of the fight. It was a tough decision. I actually didn't want to pull out, I was actually trying my best to stay in the fight, but pretty much everybody around me, including the UFC doctor, the foot and ankle specialist that I saw that works for the (Denver) Broncos, the coaches, management, every single person told me to pull out. I literally almost shed a tear. I put a lot into this. I put my entire soul into every camp."

This marks just the second time in the professional career of "The Immortal" where he's needed to pull out of a fight.

Brown was looking to put together back-to-back victories for the first time since his seven-fight win streak was halted by current 170-pound champion Robbie Lawler in June 2014. The 34-year-old's last win came in the form of a thrilling first-round submission over Tim Means at the UFC 189 pay-per-view (PPV) last July.

The injury doesn't appear to be significant enough to keep the Ohio native out a prolonged period of time, but a return to the Octagon probably isn't realistic for at least the next 2-3 months.

Brown's former opponent, Gastelum, takes on late replacement -- and teammate of the former Neil Magny -- at the same event inside Arena Monterrey.

For the complete UFC Fight Night 78: 'Magny vs. Gastelum' card, click here.