The sport of mixed martial arts might just be the toughest one out there. Unlike soccer, or basketball, or tennis (which all are tough to get into, don’t get me wrong) MMA involves getting punched, kneed, elbowed, and kicked at. MMA can be BRUTAL on the body, and I’m not talking about mere muscle soreness here.

UFC fighters are tough, that’s why they’re competing at the biggest MMA stage; but the thing is, MMA makes you tougher, too.

It is a positive cycle really. MMA, by its brutal nature, forces you to toughen up, which in turn makes you more likely to endure MMA training better, which eventually toughen you up and ready for more etc.

Speaking of toughness, UFC Middleweight champion of the world Luke Rockhold is a tough mother**ker.

Rockhold not only defeated then-champ Chris Weidman last December at UFC 194, he did so by utterly mauling him in the 3rd and 4th round en route to a TKO victory. Chris Weidman was riding an insane 13-fight win streak going into the title bout, which makes Rockhold’s dominant performance even more impressive. Rockhold, on top of having elite grappling, powerful striking and devastating kicks, is known for exhibiting a lot of heart inside the Octagon; turns out he does so outside of the cage too…

Have you ever had to get stitches or staples? That stuff hurts, even when you’re under anesthesia, if it’s not done correctly. Getting stitches or staples can’t possibly be done WITHOUT anesthesia, right? RIGHT??

Well, Luke Rockhold would beg to differ. Check out the following footage of the champ getting staples in his head, without anesthesia. What’s crazy is that he barely flinches! That’s heart right here:

About the author: Reda is an MMA and soccer nerd who spends way too much time watching fights, anime and TV series. He is also a self-declared chef and kind of a procrastination connoisseur.

You can stalk him on Twitter @RedaJaNai. Keep it to cats videos, please.