The Ultimate Fighting Championship has seen its fair share of brutal contests where fighters push their bodies to the limit.
Over the years, some matches have resulted in injuries that are etched in fans’ memories due to their severity. Here’s a ranked list of the most gruesome injuries in UFC history, shedding light on the risks fighters take in the octagon.
- Anderson Silva’s leg injury against Chris Weidman marked one of the most shocking moments in UFC history, significantly impacting Silva’s career trajectory.
- Leslie Smith’s ear explosion and Mark Hominick’s massive hematoma highlight the unpredictability and physical toll of mixed martial arts competitions.
- Incidents of severe injuries like these two underscore the need for stricter safety measures and rule enforcement due to inadequate protection or oversight.
Worst UFC Injuries
The UFC has seen injuries that redefine the sport’s intensity, pushing fighters to their limits. Here are the most unforgettable moments that showcase the risks of stepping into the octagon.
Silva’s Career-Changing Injury in Weidman Rematch
December 28, 2013, at Ultimate Fighting Championship 168 marks one of the most infamous moments in UFC history.
Anderson Silva’s attempt at reclaiming his title was cut short when Chris Weidman checked a kick, resulting in Silva breaking his leg. The injury required a titanium rod and a six-month medical suspension.
Silva’s career was never the same after this injury.
UFC Fight Night 16: Corey Hill’s Leg Injury
During UFC Fight Night 16 on December 10, 2008, Corey Hill faced a terrifying injury as his leg snapped, a moment that left fans in horror. This was one of the most memorable UFC matches in history.
UFC 180: Eye vs. Smith and the Burst Ear Incident
On November 15, 2014, at UFC 180, Jessica Eye landed a punch that caused Leslie Smith’s cauliflower ear to burst, leading to a doctor’s stoppage.
UFC 159: Jon Jones’ Toe Dislocation
Despite winning against Chael Sonnen on April 27, 2013, at UFC 159, Jon Jones suffered a horrific toe dislocation. The injury was so severe it went unnoticed until the adrenaline wore off, showing the sheer toughness and focus of fighters even in the face of injury.
Frank Mir vs. Tim Sylvia: The Arm Snap
At UFC 48 on June 19, 2004, Frank Mir delivered a bone-chilling armbar to Tim Sylvia, snapping his forearm and showcasing the lethal submission skills present in UFC.
The Eye Poke Incident in Browne-Mitrione Bout
During their fight on January 17, 2016, Matt Mitrione suffered a broken orbital bone due to repeated eye pokes from Travis Browne, highlighting the dangers even the simplest mistakes can pose in a fight.
Unforgettable Night of Vicente Luque vs. Mike Perry
On August 10, 2019, a flying knee from Luque broke Perry’s nose and reshaped it literally. This injury is a bloody testament to the violence and unpredictability of mixed martial arts.
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Overeem vs. Rozenstruick Fight: Worst Facial Injury
December 7, 2019, saw one of the worst facial injuries as Alistair Overeem’s lip was horrifically split by Jairzinho Rozenstruick’s punch, a sight that is hard to forget for those who witnessed it.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s Hematoma at UFC 248
March 8, 2020, at UFC 248, gave us the greatest women’s UFC fight that left Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a massive forehead hematoma, a stark visual of the battle scars that come with the sport.
Chris Weidman’s Fateful Leg Injury
Ironically, on April 24, 2021, at UFC 261, Chris Weidman suffered a leg break similar to that of Anderson Silva’s, in a twist of fate that sent shockwaves through the UFC community.
UFC’s Grittiest Moments and Fighter Resilience
The UFC has witnessed some of the most unforgettable and horrible injuries in sports history.
These incidents underline the physical risks fighters take each time they step into the octagon and the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level. While the fighters’ resilience and spirit are commendable, these injuries serve as a stark reminder of the need for continued emphasis on safety measures and regulations in combat sports.
