'Sick to my stomach': UFC world in shock over 'horrific' injury
WARNING: The following article contains graphic images that some readers may find distressing.
UFC 261 has been rocked by a sickening leg injury to American fighter Chris Weidman.
Just seconds into Weidman's middleweight fight with Uriah Hall on Saturday, the American shattered his leg when a kick was blocked by his opponent.
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On the very first kick of the fight, Weidman's shin struck Hall's and his leg crumpled horribly as he stepped backwards and put his full weight on it.
Weidman was in agony as the fight was called off and he was stretchered out of the ring.
The fight was over in just 17 seconds.
Hall was clearly distraught over the way the fight ended, sending his well-wishes to Weidman.
“I wanted to put on a great performance, but man, I feel so bad for him,” Hall said.
“I hope he’s OK. I wish his family well, if they’re watching.
"It’s the sucky part of this sport. It’s the hurt business.
"I hope he recovers and then hey, whatever rank I am in the future, if he gets well, I owe him this fight.
"I hope he can come back from this.”
UFC in shock over 'horrific' injury
UFC fans and pundits were also in a state of shock, with many describing the injury as "horrific" and "sickening".
"This is just horrific,” MMA analyst Luke Thomas tweeted.
UFC reporter Ariel Helwani tweeted: “This is heartbreaking. I can’t believe this.
“This is absolutely horrific.
“Feel sick to my stomach. No one deserves this. This is a cruel, cruel sport.”
Really, really hope Chris Weidman is able to get the medical attention he needs and makes a speedy recovery. This is just horrific.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) April 25, 2021
That was horrific. Oh my god. Chris Weidman's leg snapped in half.
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) April 25, 2021
Holy.
Weidman just kicked Uriah Hall SECONDS into their fight and his leg snapped. The exact same thing that happened to Anderson Silva against Weidman. This is absolutely horrific.— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 25, 2021
OH MY GOD. CHRIS WEIDMAN JUST SNAPPED HIS LEG ON THE FIRST KICK!#UFC261
pic.twitter.com/3qAP41oSMN— TheChampionPicks 👑 (@ChampionPicks) April 25, 2021
OMG that is just unlucky man. I feel so bad for Weidman.
My god that is sickening— Anthony Wheeler ⛈👾 (@NAMELESS) April 25, 2021
Sickening to see what just happened to Chris Weidman. That is brutal to watch.
— Ian Cameron (@bobano) April 25, 2021
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