In one of the scariest moments of UFC 308, Robert whittaker took a hit that left the fighting world in shock. The former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg) suffered a serious injury to his face, with his teeth literally dislodged from their sockets, after being submitted by Khamzat Shimaev. But, after all, what exactly happened to the Australian?
Sports medicine specialist Brian Sutterer revealed previously unheard details about the injury in an interview with the Ariel Helwani podcast. According to Sutterer, the situation was even more serious than previously thought. The injury, although serious, does not fit the classic definition of a jaw fracture.
“What we were seeing in that picture was absolutely horrific. Basically, this bottom part of the bone, where those teeth are anchored, has broken. That’s why you see those three teeth still attached together, but pushed back into his mouth. So technically, it’s not a true jaw fracture like we normally think of in combat sports, but you still have a fracture in the bottom part of the jaw,” Sutterer explained.
The violence of the fight and the force of the blow Khamzat Shimaev were decisive for the severity of the injury. Whittaker, despite his resistance, was unable to withstand the Russian's pressure and ended up succumbing to submission in the first round.
With the victory, Chimaev positions himself as one of the main challengers for the middleweight belt. The Swede, undefeated in 14 fights, is asking for an opportunity to face Dricus du Plessis.
Robert whittaker, in turn, will need considerable time to recover from the injury. The Australian, who was once champion in the category, will have to reconstruct the lower part of his jaw and, consequently, his dental arch.
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