5 UFC fighters who suffered serious leg injuries mid-fight
The UFC is the world leader in MMA, which is one of the most volatile sports in the world. A fight can always end in the blink of an eye, no matter which way the momentum swings. That's one of the many reasons why fans have rapidly gravitated to the organization.
Atop the list of the most anticlimactic plagues in the sport is when fighters succumb to injury. Whether it be in training leading to a fight cancelation or even in the fight itself, injuries leave an empty feeling for fans and fighters alike. Conor McGregor and, more recently, Aleksander Rakic are two of many that have succumbed to leg injuries under the UFC's bright lights.
Going more in-depth on injuries that happen during fights, accidents involving legs will be brought up frequently. Broken bones, torn ligaments, and damaged nerves — there's a number of things that can go wrong with a fighter's lower limbs in the midst of the action.
Here are 5 UFC fighters who suffered serious leg injuries mid-fight:
#5. Jimmy Crute
As the betting favorite, Jimmy Crute was one of many that were surprised by his opponent's performance. Anthony Smith lost two key fights in a row before entering the win column against Devin Clark. Nonetheless, it was still in question whether or not Smith belonged at the top of the division as he was slated against Jimmy Crute.
Another victim of the infamous nerve killer leg kick. Anthony Smith beats Jimmy Crute via doctor's stoppage #UFC261
https://t.co/4yOvfDZKbN
Smith had a precise lead hand, but Crute brutalized his adversary with leg kicks. Though 'The Brute's' leg attacks were more plentiful, it only took one from 'Lionheart' to spell the beginning of the end for the Australian. The low kick quite literally struck a nerve and put Crute on the mat.
When a certain nerve is hit powerfully and precisely, the person on the receiving end of this attack will suffer what is called "drop foot/foot drop". Similar to hitting one's elbow on a table, Crute's leg went numb and he lacked the ability to lift his foot. Though he scored takedowns afterwards, he seriously lacked the mobility necessary to fight and the cageside physician called a stop to the bout before the second round could begin.