UFC featherweight Melquizael Costa secured a hard-fought victory over Julian Erosa at UFC Vegas 106, but sustained a severe foot injury just minutes into the fight that clearly hampered him.
The UFC broadcast clearly showed Costa`s left foot bleeding between the first and second rounds. Despite this, he seemed to dismiss the injury during the fight and later expressed surprise about how his foot got cut.
Costa ultimately won the three-round battle at the Apex by unanimous decision.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Dana White Shares Graphic Footage of Costa`s Severely Cut Foot After UFC Vegas 106
After the fight, Costa celebrated his victory and extended his four-fight win streak, appearing relatively unfazed. The win moves him closer to potentially breaking into the featherweight Top 15.
Despite downplaying the injury during the event, the full extent of Costa`s foot damage became clear shortly afterward. UFC CEO Dana White posted graphic images on his Instagram story showing a deep laceration on one of Costa`s toes that left his foot heavily bleeding.
Such severe mid-fight injuries are not uncommon in MMA. Another recent example is Asu Almabayev, who shared graphic photos of a brutal eye injury sustained from an accidental poke by Manel Kape.
Thankfully, Costa was taken to a local hospital for treatment on his injured foot after the victory. This win added to his recent success, including prior victories over Christian Rodriguez, Andre Fili, and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke.
As of now, the recovery time needed for Costa`s injury is unknown. Hopefully, he will not be sidelined for too long as he continues his ascent in the UFC featherweight division.
Another Notable Incident at UFC Vegas 106: Fighter Withdraws Short-Notice Citing `Herpes`
Costa`s injury was just one notable moment on an eventful UFC Vegas 106 card. The co-main event was abruptly canceled minutes before it was scheduled, as light heavyweight Rodolfo Bellato was removed from his fight against Paul Craig for an unusual reason.
The broadcast initially cited only an `unspecified medical issue,` leaving fans and analysts puzzled by the last-minute withdrawal.
Bellato later revealed on Instagram that `herpes` was the reason for his withdrawal. It remains unclear whether UFC doctors pulled him from the bout or if he made the decision himself.
Bellato vs. Craig is expected to be rescheduled at a later date, and Paul Craig has not yet publicly commented on the withdrawal. Regardless of the details, Bellato`s stated reason places his cancellation among the most bizarre in UFC history.
Percy Harlow