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Horrifying ‘bloodbath’ injury rocks UFC

There has been outrage from fight commentators after a star was allowed to keep fighting with a horrific injury. WARNING: Graphic images.

The UFC witnessed one of its bloodiest cuts in memory as featherweight Damon ‘the leech’ Jackson rained down blood but somehow survived for a win over Charles Rosa at UFC Vegas 39.

Jackson dominated the first two rounds with his superior grappling, and Rosa needed a stoppage to win the fight in the third. It looked like he got it with a deadly spinning elbow that caught Jackson just above his right eye, immediately opening up a deep gash.

The referee nearly stepped in – just five seconds into the third round – but let the action continue for another minute. Then he paused the fight and allowed a doctor to judge whether Jackson could continue despite the widening pool of blood on the Octagon mat.

The doctor surprisingly gave the go-ahead, and Jackson held on to claim a famous unanimous decision win (29-28, 29-27, 30-27) that he had paid for in blood.

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UFC star Damon Jackson survived a horrific cut to beat Charles Rosa.
UFC star Damon Jackson survived a horrific cut to beat Charles Rosa.

In commentary, UFC lightweight fighter Paul Felder said: “You can smell the blood from here. My God.”

Then fellow commentator Jon Anik took a deep breath and declared: “I love it. LOVE IT.”

The MMA world was absolutely raving about the bloody contest, while Rosa shared a photo of his blood-stained outfit after the bout.

And even the DJ was having fun with the moment, picking the perfect song as the fighters exited the claret-stained Octagon.

Originally published as Horrifying ‘bloodbath’ injury rocks UFC

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ufc/horrifying-bloodbath-injury-rocks-ufc/news-story/3297c3849ddb4f5663c566a20f85194e