Cirkunov sickeneningly pops Nicholson’s jaw
“He got my neck and he’s so strong. I’ve broken my jaw before and I heard it pop and I really didn’t want my jaw wired shut again so I tapped, even though I never tap.”
UFC light heavyweight Alex Nicholson had perhaps the most successful weigh-in in UFC history. He made weight successfully, and his fiancee said yes when he proposed on stage. His debut fight in the UFC was on the main card of UFC Fight Night 82. However, it did not go his way.
In the second round, Latvian Canadian Misha Cirkunov secured a face lock, and when he started to crank, Nicholson’s face contorted. Suddenly there was a can’t-be-unheard sound, and Nicholson tapped, for the first time in his career. He immediately held onto his jaw with concern.
In interviews prior to the fight, Nicholson detailed that he had previously broken a jaw. As anyone who has had one will attest, it is not an experience you want to repeat.
“He got my neck and he’s so strong,” explained Nicholson afterwards. “I’ve broken my jaw before and I heard it pop and I really didn’t want my jaw wired shut again so I tapped, even though I never tap.”
Cirkunov too commented afterwards.
I watched a lot of video of Demian Maia, and that’s where I learned that choke from, he said. I know I had opportunities to finish in the first round, but I heard there was only 10 or 15 seconds left, so I decided to have a little fun. The division better start knowing who I am, or I’m going to come in and do the same thing to the rest of them.
UFC vice president of public relations Dave Sholler expressed concern afterwards.
“Nicholson has a jaw fracture, likely to require surgery,” he said.
The fighter himself posted positively on his social network.
This was the best weekend of my life. I’m marrying my best friend and fought on the biggest stage.. Great experience I didn’t perform the way I’m capable of and my jaw broke exactly where it was previously when he squeezed.. But it will heal up and I’ll be back thank you @ufc and all my supporters.
Nicholson will fight again in the Octagon. And the light heavyweight division has a new prospect. If they didn’t before, they now know who Misha Cirkunov is.
