Top 10 MMA/UFC Fighters Who Broke Their Leg (Injury Videos)

MMA is a popular high-contact sport that tests fighters’ skills and endurance. Injuries, including leg breaks, are a constant risk. This type of injury can end a fight instantly. It causes a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process. Putting the fighter’s career on hold.

Discover the unique journeys of MMA fighters who have sustained this injury, from high-profile warriors to up-and-coming athletes, and the effect on those who suffered this devastating injury during a fight. They all had to overcome this career-altering injury’s physical and emotional toll. We explore the impact it had on their lives and careers.

Connor McGregor

Connor McGregor is one of the most popular and successful fighters in MMA. He is known for his quick and aggressive fighting style. In his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 McGregor suffered a gruesome leg injury that put his career on hold.

Overview Of The Injury

During the fight, McGregor threw a punch, and his left leg buckled, causing him to fall to the ground. The replay showed that his lower leg had snapped, with the bone protruding through his skin. The injury was later diagnosed as a severe tibia and fibula fracture, which required surgery to insert a metal rod into his leg.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

McGregor appeared to be in control in the early rounds of the fight against Poirier. Things turned for the worse in the final seconds of the first round. The fight was immediately stopped, and McGregor was carried out of the octagon on a stretcher. The injury was so severe that it was clear that McGregor would be out of action for a considerable period.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

Following the surgery, McGregor began a long and grueling recovery process. He shared updates on social media about his therapy and rehabilitation. In October 2021, McGregor shared a video showing him hitting pads and moving around on his feet. Thus signaling that he was making progress in his recovery. McGregor has since stated that he plans to return to the UFC in 2023. 

The injury was a significant setback for McGregor. However, it demonstrated his resilience and determination to overcome adversity. With his sights set on returning to the octagon, fans eagerly await his next fight. McGregor’s injury was a reminder of the risks that come with combat sports. It highlighted the importance of safety measures to protect the athletes.

Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva is a legendary Mixed Martial Artist. He was known for his unorthodox fighting style and incredible striking ability. His career was threatened in 2013 when he suffered a devastating leg injury against Chris Weidman at UFC 168.

Overview Of The Injury

Weidman checked one of Silva’s leg kicks in the fight’s second round. This caused Silva’s left leg to snap at the shinbone. The injury was one of the most gruesome in UFC history, with the bone visibly protruding from Silva’s skin.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

Silva’s injury came in the rematch against Weidman, who had defeated him in their first bout. Silva threw a leg kick that Weidman checked in the second round, resulting in the horrific injury. The fight was immediately stopped. Silva was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

Silva underwent successful surgery. It involved the insertion of a metal rod in his leg to help with the healing process. He went through extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation to get back into fighting shape. It took him over a year to make his comeback to the octagon, which he did in January 2015 in a fight against Nick Diaz. Silva went on to win that fight by unanimous decision.

Although Silva never again achieved the same level of dominance that he had before the injury. He continued to fight for several more years before officially retiring in 2020. Though it also demonstrated his resilience and determination to come back from adversity.

Anderson Silva’s leg injury was one of the most shocking and gruesome injuries in the history of MMA. He overcame the injury with incredible determination and successfully returned to the sport. Silva’s legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history will always be remembered.

Chris Weidman

Chris Weidman is an American Mixed Martial Artist who has fought in the UFC since 2011. He is best known for being the only fighter to defeat Anderson Silva twice. In a fight against Uriah Hall at UFC 261, Weidman suffered a gruesome leg injury that ended the fight and put his career on hold.

Overview Of The Injury

During the first round of the fight, Weidman threw a leg kick that Hall checked, causing Weidman’s right leg to snap at the shinbone. The injury was nearly identical to Silva’s against Weidman in 2013.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

Weidman’s injury came just 17 seconds into the first round, making it one of the shortest fights in UFC history. After the kick, Weidman’s leg snapped, and he fell to the mat, screaming in pain. The fight was immediately stopped, and Weidman was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

Weidman underwent surgery, which involved the insertion of a metal rod in his leg to help with the healing process. He went through extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation to get back into fighting shape. Weidman announced that he had been cleared to resume training, signaling that he was progressing in his recovery.

It is unclear when Weidman will return to the octagon, but he has stated that he plans to return to fighting soon. The injury was a significant setback for Weidman. Still, it also demonstrated his resilience and determination to overcome adversity.

Chris Weidman’s leg injury was a shocking reminder of the risks that come with combat sports. However, with his incredible determination and willpower, Weidman has made significant progress in his recovery and has his sights set on a return to the UFC. Fans eagerly anticipate his comeback and hope for a full recovery for the talented fighter.

Corey Hill

Corey Hill was an American Mixed Martial Artist who fought in the Lightweight division. He was a former professional kickboxer and wrestler who made his UFC debut in 2008. However, in a fight against Dale Hartt at UFC Fight Night 16, Hill suffered a devastating leg injury that put his career on hold.

Overview Of The Injury

During the second round of the fight, Hill threw a leg kick that landed awkwardly, causing his right leg to snap at the shinbone. The injury was one of the most gruesome in UFC history, with the bone visibly protruding from Hill’s skin.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

Hill’s injury came in the fight against Hartt, which was the first time Hill fought in the UFC. Hill threw a leg kick in the second round that landed awkwardly, causing his leg to snap. The fight was immediately stopped, and Hill was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

Hill underwent surgery, which involved the insertion of a metal rod in his leg to help with the healing process. He went through extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation to get back into fighting shape. Although he could return to training, he never fought in the UFC again due to lingering complications from the injury.

Hill eventually retired from MMA in 2010, citing health reasons as the primary factor. He remained involved in the sport as a coach and commentator.

Corey Hill’s leg injury was a reminder of the dangers of combat sports and the risks that fighters take when they step into the octagon. Although he was able to recover from the injury and continue training, he never returned to fighting at the highest level due to lingering complications. Hill’s legacy in MMA will be remembered, but his career will always be marked by the devastating injury he suffered.

Jonathan King

Jonathan King is an American Mixed Martial Artist who fought in the Lightweight division. He was a former amateur wrestler who made his professional MMA debut in 2009. However, in a fight against Chris Williams at LFC 50, King suffered a leg injury that put his career on hold.

Overview Of The Injury

During the first round of the fight, King threw a leg kick that landed awkwardly, causing his right leg to snap at the shinbone. The injury was similar to the one suffered by Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

King’s injury came in the fight against Williams, which was part of the Lingerie Fighting Championship, a women’s MMA promotion. In the first round, King threw a leg kick that landed awkwardly, causing his leg to snap. The fight was immediately stopped, and King was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

King underwent surgery, which involved the insertion of a metal rod in his leg to help with the healing process. He went through extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation to get back into fighting shape. Although he was able to return to training, he has not fought in a professional MMA fight since the injury.

King has since transitioned to a career in coaching and training fighters. He is now the owner and head coach of King MMA, an Ohio gym that trains amateur and professional fighters.

Jonathan King’s leg injury was a reminder of the dangers of combat sports and the risks that fighters take when they step into the octagon. Although he recovered from the injury and continued training, he has not fought in a professional MMA fight since the injury.

King has since succeeded as a coach and trainer, helping other fighters achieve their goals and avoid the injuries that plagued his career.

Rob Evans

Rob Evans is a former British Mixed Martial Artist who fought in the welterweight division. He made his professional MMA debut in 2004 and had a career spanning over 11 years. In a fight against Tim Wilde at UCMMA 39, Evans suffered a leg injury that put his career on hold.

Overview Of The Injury

During the fight, Evans threw a leg kick that landed awkwardly, causing his leg to snap at the shinbone. The injury was similar to the one suffered by Anderson Silva, Chris Weidman, and Corey Hill.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

Evans’ injury came in the fight against Ross Pettifer, which was part of the Cage Rage 4 promotion. In the first round, Evans threw a leg kick that landed awkwardly, causing his leg to snap. The fight was immediately stopped, and Evans was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency surgery.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

Evans underwent surgery, which involved the insertion of a metal rod in his leg to help with the healing process. He went through extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation to get back into fighting shape. Although he could return to training, he never fought in a professional MMA fight again due to the severity of the injury.

After his retirement, Evans transitioned to a career in coaching and training fighters. He founded the Evolution MMA gym in Essex, England, where he trained and developed up-and-coming fighters.

In conclusion, he recovered from the injury and continued training. Still, Rob never fought in a professional MMA fight again. Evans’ transition to a career in coaching and training fighters has allowed him to continue his involvement in the sport and help other fighters avoid the injuries that plagued his career.

Jack Becker

Jack Becker is an Australian MMA fighter. He is known for his striking skills and aggressive fighting style, which has earned him a dedicated fanbase in Australia.

Overview Of The Injury

During a fight against opponent Aiden Aguilera in the Eternal 66. The Australian featherweight fighter suffered a significant injury. The injury occurred when a low kick he threw was checked by Aguilera. This resulted in a broken leg for Becker.

The injury was a severe setback for the young fighter. Especially since the Australian had been gaining momentum in his career. 

Details Of The Fight And Injury

During the fight, Becker and Aguilera were trading strikes when Becker threw a low kick that was checked by Aguilera. The impact of the kick resulted in Becker’s leg breaking, forcing the referee to stop the fight immediately. The injury was severe, requiring surgery and a long recovery period for the promising MMA fighter.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

After undergoing surgery and rehabilitation, Jack Becker has returned to training. He is working towards making a comeback to the sport. While the injury was a setback, Jack remains determined to continue pursuing his career in MMA. He has set his sights on a return to competition soon. 

Becker has already shown himself to be a talented fighter, and many fans are eager to see what he can accomplish in the sport once he returns.

Willem Smith

Willem Smith is a professional MMA fighter from South Africa. He has competed in various promotions, including EFC and Brave CF. He has earned a reputation for his striking and grappling skills.

Overview Of The Injury

During the opening round of his fight against South African opponent JP Strydom in EFC 92, Smith threw a left hand followed by a low kick to Strydom’s left leg. However, Strydom kept his leg planted on the canvas, causing Smith’s leg to bend and break.

The injury was a compound fracture, with the bone breaking through the skin and the leg appearing to hang at an unnatural angle.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

After the injury, both Strydom and the referee quickly realized the severity of the situation, and the fight was called off. Smith was taken to the hospital immediately for medical attention. The injury was so severe that Smith had to undergo multiple surgeries and was sidelined from fighting for a significant period.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

It is unclear if Smith has returned to fighting following his injury. However, he likely had to undergo extensive rehabilitation and recovery to regain strength and mobility in his leg.

Mike Florio

Mike Florio is an American mixed martial artist who has competed in various regional promotions.

Overview Of The Injury

During a fight at CES MMA 56, Florio suffered a severe leg injury that ended the fight and required immediate medical attention.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

Florio was facing Sodik Ismoilov in a middleweight bout when the injury occurred. Florio threw a kick that Ismoilov checked in the second round, causing Florio’s leg to break upon impact. The gruesome injury caused the fight to be stopped immediately, and medical personnel rushed into the octagon to attend to Florio.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

Florio underwent surgery and began his recovery process after the fight. He received an outpouring of support from the MMA community, with many fighters and fans sending messages of encouragement and well wishes for his recovery. Florio remained positive throughout his recovery and credited his faith and the support of his loved ones for his resilience and determination.

As of the time of writing, it is still being determined when or if Florio will return to fighting. However, he has expressed his desire to continue pursuing his MMA career. He has remained committed to his training and preparation.

Mike Florio suffered a severe leg injury during a fight at CES MMA 56, which required immediate medical attention and ended the fight. While the injury was a setback for Florio, he has remained positive and determined throughout his recovery.

He has received an outpouring of support from the MMA community. Florio’s resilience and commitment to his MMA career are a testament to the dedication and fortitude required to succeed in the sport.

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith is an American Mixed Martial Artist who fought in the light heavyweight division. He made his professional MMA debut in 2008 and had a successful career in various promotions, including the UFC. In a fight against Jimmy Crute at UFC 261, Smith suffered a leg injury that almost ended the fight.

Overview Of The Injury

During the fight, Smith suffered a leg injury that was initially thought to be a calf kick from Crute. However, upon further examination, it was discovered that Smith had suffered a rare nerve compression injury that affected his peroneal nerve.

Details Of The Fight And Injury

Smith’s injury came in the fight against Crute, which was part of the UFC 261 event. In the first round, Crute landed a leg kick that caused Smith’s leg to buckle. However, Smith was able to continue fighting and even returned the favor with his own leg kicks. By the end of the round, Smith’s leg was visibly swollen, and he had difficulty standing.

Recovery And Return To Fighting

Smith finished the fight and was declared the winner by TKO due to Crute’s inability to continue in the second round. However, after the fight, it was discovered that Smith had suffered a rare nerve compression injury that affected his peroneal nerve. He underwent surgery to relieve the compression and underwent an extensive rehabilitation program to regain strength and mobility in his leg.

Smith quickly returned to the octagon four months after his injury and fought Ryan Spann at UFC Fight Night on September 18, 2021. He won the fight by submission in the first round, demonstrating that he had fully recovered from his leg injury.

Anthony Smith’s leg injury was a rare and unusual injury that could have ended his MMA career. However, with the help of his medical team and a rigorous rehabilitation program, Smith was able to make a full recovery and return to fighting just four months after his injury. Smith’s comeback demonstrates his resilience and determination. He remains a top contender in the UFC’s light heavyweight division.

Conclusion

The world of MMA is grueling and demanding, where fighters put their bodies and minds to the test every time they step into the octagon. The risk of injury is always present, and the breakage of a fighter’s leg is one of the most devastating injuries that can occur in the sport.

The ten fighters we have highlighted in this article each had to face the challenge of overcoming a broken leg and the obstacles that come with it. However, their stories are a testament to the resilience, determination, and spirit of the human being. Despite the setbacks they faced, many of these fighters went on to make a full recovery and continue their MMA careers.

While these injuries are undoubtedly tough to endure, they remind us of the risks of combat sports and the importance of safety measures to protect athletes. As fans of the sport, we should always show respect and support for the fighters who put their bodies on the line for our entertainment.