Another horrific leg break in combat sports
Tyrone Spong, was trying to avenge a 2009 kickboxing loss to Gohan Saki, when he threw a low kick that was handily checked, and his shin broke horrifically.
Four months months ago in a title bout Chris Weidman aggressively checked an Anderson Silva low kick with his upper shin/knee, and Silva’s lower leg snapped. It was thought by many that Silva would never recover; he plans to fight this year.
Unfortunately, it happened to another title bout this weekend, in another combat sport.
The event was Glory 15: Istanbul. The main event was the Glory Light Heavyweight World Championship Tournament Final. Surinamese-Dutch kick boxer (74-7-1, 1 NC) and mixed martial artist (2-0) Tyrone Spong, was trying to avenge a 2009 kickboxing loss to Gohan Saki, when part way through the first round he threw a low kick that was handily checked, and his shin broke horrifically.
The UFC has an insurance plan for all fighters. Hopefully Glory too will cover Spong’s expenses, which will be substantial. Holland has mandatory health insurance, but it does not cover all costs.
Obviously Spong’s next MMA bout, for WSOF 11 on July 5, will be canceled.
Although Spong’s MMA record is modest, he is close to Rashad Evans, Alistair Overeem, and King Mo, among other MMA fighters, and has helped them prepare for MMA fights. In fact, Evans was with Spong in Istanbul for the event.
Further, it should be noted with deep respect that the moment also had beauty. Saki had just won the Glory world title, but his demeanor showed nothing but concern for his opponent.
The combat sports world is united in wishing Spong a full recovery.
Once again, the break was caused by a low kick that was checked before it turned over. A kick thrown with the edge of the shin, hips turned over, is powerful. However, like a ruler that is solid edgewise, but easy to bend width wise, the shin is not strong sideways.
Train accordingly.
