Professional fighters put their bodies through immense punishment for the sake of sport, glory and entertainment. So it should come as no surprise some fighters are left in a horrid state of affairs after a brutal knockout or thrilling fight of the year
So let’s take a look at a few notable examples of fighters who literally had their faces rearranged.
5) Face of death
A knockout that was destined to go viral, this Japanese kick boxer who ate a right straight and right high kick proved that perhaps there are zombies among us. After he was knocked out he seemingly rose from the dead showing off a frightening face that will forever be immortalized on the internet.
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4) Kazushi Sakuraba vs Ricardo Arona
Pride Critical Countdown: June 2005
Kazushi Sakuraba was no stranger to fighting outside of his natural weight class and in instance took on Ricardo Arona; a multiple time ADCC grappling champion who also held a considerable size and strength advantage as well.
Starting off fairly competitively, Arona managed to wobble Sakuraba and get him to ground to deliver a barrage of heavy knees in north south position. Come round two Arona cut Sakuraba open with his toe nail from a kick and proceeded to unload a further barrage of knees and soccer kicks to get the stoppage at the end of round two, leaving the legend in a bloody pulp.
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3) Robbie Lawler vs Rory Macdonald II
UFC 189: July 2015
After dropping a three round decision to Robbie Lawler at UFC 167, Rory MacDonald was seeking both revenge and the title in their rematch but Lawler had other plans.
Authoring by far the most intense fight of 2015, Rory and Robbie went back and forth in a brutal blood bath for the 170lb title. And although he was still game coming into the fifth round Rory’s nose had taken too much punishment, giving Robbie the TKO win at 1:00 and leaving Rory’s nose in a horrific mess.
2) Rashad Evans vs Lyoto Machida
UFC 98: May 2009
For the first time in UFC history two undefeated fighters contested for the light heavyweight title when Rashad Evans met karate stylist Lyoto Machida.
With a few minutes to go in round two, Lyoto staggered Evans to the cage and unleashed a hellacious combination that put him down at 3:57 which then authored perhaps one of the most iconic post fight faces in MMA history.
1) Mark Hominick vs Jose Aldo
UFC 129: April 2011
Looking like something from the Goonies, Mark Hominick was the victim of a gruesome knot on his forehead in the fourth round of his title bid against featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo.
Looking like the end was near the ringside physician let the bout go on where Hominick managed to rally from behind and record a dominant showing in round five, in a sheer display of will and determination against the champion.
Unfortunately this wasn’t enough as Aldo won a unanimous decision.
