Unfortunately in the world of MMA injuries are all too frequent, arguably due to the nature of the ‘job’.
We take a look at 5 UFC fighters who are looking to come back from major injuries and yet again, compete at the highest level.
Jon Jones
Widely regarded as the GOAT, the former light heavyweight and current heavyweight champion, Jon Jones is currently laid up on the treatment table. Bones was scheduled to meet Stipe Miocic in a clash of the GOAT and the man who has the most title defences in heavyweight history, however, the current champion was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a pectoral tear.
Let’s hope that Jones can return in 2024 after what is a major injury. Jones fans will be lined up to watch his next bout, many using an online casino with VPN.
Conor McGregor
The most famous MMA fighter to ever exist, Conor McGregor is rumoured to be returning after a devastating leg break. Taking on Dustin Poirier in a bitter trilogy bout, McGregor’s leg snapped slightly above the ankle leading to the fight being stopped in-between rounds.
It’s a truly devastating injury that has kept the former champ-champ out of UFC action since July 2021 and is scheduled for a June return, meaning that he will have been out for almost three years.
Paulo Costa
The Eraser, Paulo Costa had to withdraw from a scheduled UFC 294 bout with Khamzat Chimaev due to a nasty bacteria infection in his elbow. The Brazillian did everything he could to keep the fight on, however, after images were shared of the injury, there’s no way he could have competed.
Official speech about the medical impediment and remove from the fight on October 21st in Abudhabi. I will be back sooner than later . Thanks! 🧃🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/m0Rqe6fEAG
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 17, 2023
Luckily, the infection hasn’t kept Costa out for long as the former title challenger looks to return against the former champion, Robert Whittaker at UFC 298.
Alexa Grasso
UFC flyweight Queen, Alexa Grasso will be looking to make the second defence of the belt she won in 2023. The Mexican star shocked the world when she submitted long-time dominant champion, Valentina Shevchenko back in March.
The two women rematched in September, fighting to a draw and an immediate rematch wasn’t possible. This is because Grasso required surgery on a broken hand that she sustained during the rematch! Taking to Instagram to confirm the injury, Grasso appears ready to return from the major injury and yet again defend her 125lbs strap!
Ian Garry
Whether we can call this an injury or an illness, Ian Garry’s health was in trouble at the end of 2023. The undefeated Irish prospect had a great year and was scheduled for his fourth outing at UFC 296, however, during fight week was pulled from the card.
As per UFC president, Dana White, Garry started the week by having the flu, which turned into pneumonia. Garry’s health was a serious risk and the former CageWarroirs champion was pulled from the card altogether.
He appears to be on the mend, however, and is slated for a return at UFC 298 against Geoff Neal. There’s little doubt that this could majorly effect his cardio and endurance, but only time will tell!
