UFC star hospitalised after sickening knockout
Aljamain Sterling was stretchered from the ring and rushed to hospital after a frightening knockout at UFC Fight Night Fresno.
Marlon Moraes officially arrived in the UFC after flattening Sterling with a devastating knee to the face just over a minute into the opening round of their fight on Sunday.
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Moraes threw a big head kick that turned out being a knee to Sterling's face, that sent him crashing face first into the canvas.
Doctors spent several minutes inside the Octagon looking after Sterling, with Moraes conducting his post-fight interview outside it.
Fans at the arena reported that the lights inside the Octagon were dimmed so a groggy Sterling couldn't be seen, and TV cameras steered clear of the area where he was receiving treatment.
It has since emerged that Sterling had to spend the night in hospital.
Aljamain Sterling was transported to a local hospital for “precautionary measures,” according to his coach Ray Longo. No other update at this time.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 10, 2017
Wow, that was a scary KO by Moraes. 😱 Risky taking this fight on short notice against such a tough fighter like Sterling. Safe to say, it worked out. #UFCFresno
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 10, 2017
Sterling later took to Twitter to update his fans on his condition.
Hats off to Marlon. Thought I timed the TD perfectly and he was able to land a nasty knee. Sucks to be the nail, but this is the fight game. I'm ok for all those asking 🙏🏾
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) December 10, 2017
Moraes also posted a classy message to his opponent.
Thank God for the win but way more importantly praying that Aljamain is fine and 100 % healthy !! This game is nothing compared to our health . Must respect for him and his amazing team !
— Marlon Moraes (@MMARLONMORAES) December 10, 2017
Moraes has now taken out two top 15 ranked opponents in a row.
“I think I'm starting to like it here,” Moraes said.
“I'm going to gives some trouble for the 135 [pounders].”