Sherdog’s Top 10: Worst UFC Injuries

Mike SloanMay 22, 2016



Top 10: Worst UFC Injuries

8. Rich Franklin vs. Anderson Silva
UFC 64 “Unstoppable”
Oct. 14, 2006 | Las Vegas


Franklin had lost just once in his career and was on an eight-fight winning streak during which only David Loiseau managed to go the distance with him. Though he was in possession of the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight crown and had successfully defended it twice, a handful of MMA insiders saw the monster that was headed his way. Silva was still a largely unknown commodity among casual fans, but those in the know knew the dangers he brought to the table.

Silva established his dominance early, as he picked apart “Ace” whenever, wherever and however he wanted. Once they clinched two minutes in, the Brazilian applied his vice-like Thai plum and raked Franklin with knees to the body over and over again. Silva continued to attack the midsection, forced the fading champion to carry his arms low and then sent a knee upstairs, rearranging Franklin’s face upon impact. His legs buckled, he stumbled backward and wandered into the clinch again before being felled by another knee to the face. Silva had claimed the title, and Franklin received a badly broken nose for his troubles.

However, it was not your average break. Franklin’s nose was crushed at the bridge and pushed to the right side of his face.

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