How to Protect Yourself from Serious MMA Injuries?

MMA is a physically demanding and intense combat sport that requires rigorous training and dedication. However, with such high-intensity training and competition, there is a higher risk of serious MMA injuries. That’s why it’s essential to use protective MMA equipment to ensure you’re always ready to compete at your best.

What are Some Frequent but Serious MMA Injuries?

MMA fighters face serious injuries, like:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

MMA fighters are at high risk of TBIs due to the sport’s extreme nature. Repeated blows to the head lead to concussions. In some cases, TBIs lead to more serious brain injuries such as hemorrhages or cerebral edema.

Fractures

Fighters suffer from bone fractures in various body locations, including the hands, feet, and face. Facial fractures are very serious and require immediate repair surgery.

Ligament and Tendon Tears

Due to the high level of physical exertion involved in MMA, fighters are at risk of ligament and tendon tears. These injuries are debilitating and require lengthy recovery periods.

Spinal Injuries

Spinal Injuries are very dangerous and result in paralysis in severe cases. Spinal injuries occur as a result of grappling, takedowns, or falls.

Eye Injuries

MMA fighters are at risk of eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions, retinal detachments, and orbital fractures. These injuries have serious long-term consequences on a fighter’s vision.

Dislocations

Dislocations happen when a joint is forced out of its socket. Dislocations are a very common injury in MMA. Shoulder and elbow dislocations are much more frequent and they are very painful.

MMA Fighters Who Suffered Serious MMA Injuries

Here are some of the Famous MMA fighters who faced serious MMA injuries. 

Jon Jones

Jones has suffered from several injuries during his MMA career. He sustained a torn ligament, in his toe, a fractured toe, and a torn meniscus. He also tested positive for steroids after his fight against Daniel Cormier in 2017.

Matt Mitrione

Mitrione suffered from multiple injuries, including a broken orbital bone, a broken hand, and a broken rib during his career.

Uriah Hall

Hall fractured his toe during his fight against Thiago Santos in 2019. The injury required immediate repairing surgery followed by a lengthy recovery period.

Chris Weidman

Weidman suffered a devastating leg injury during his fight against Uriah Hall in April 2021. Weidman attempted a leg kick early in the first round, which broke his leg gruesomely.

Anderson Silva

Silva suffered a similar leg injury during his fight against Chris Weidman in 2013. Silva attempted a leg kick, and Weidman checked the kick, breaking Silva’s leg.

How to Protect Yourself from Serious MMA Injuries?

MMA is an intense combat sport involving a high level of physical endurance. However, there is a serious injury risk associated with high-intensity training and competitive matches. MMA injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries like broken bones and head trauma. It is essential to use protective MMA equipment during training and competition to prevent serious MMA Injuries.

MMA Gloves

MMA gloves are designed to protect your hands from impact and blows during training and fights. They are lightweight, so you can strike your fist in full force. They add a layer of padding on your hand to protect your knuckles and fingers from injury. Wearing MMA gloves prevents hand fractures and dislocations.

Mouthguard

A mouthguard is essential for any combat sport. It protects your teeth and jaw from strike damage. It also cushions head blows and prevents concussions.

Head Guards

Head guard is another essential piece of protective equipment. It protects your head from impact. It cushions your forehead, temples, and back of the head, and reduces the impact of punches and kicks.

Shin Guards

Shin guards protect your shins and feet from injury during fighting and training. They add a layer of padding on your shins, protecting them from bone bruises and fractures.

Groin Protector

Groin protectors are designed to protect the groin area from strikes. They are very useful in preventing serious injury.

Protective equipment used during training and competition is essential for any MMA fighter. Wearing good protective equipment prevents severe injuries and ensures you are ready to compete at your best.

Remember: No protective equipment fully eliminates the injury risks. Therefore, it is important to practice proper techniques. Listen to your body, and take breaks when necessary during fighting or training.

MMA Injuries – Frequently Asked Questions

What was the worst injury in MMA?

Corey Hill had the worst injury in MMA during a fight in 2008. Hill’s leg bone snapped in half as he was attempting a kick, causing a gruesome injury. The incident led to increased fighter safety scrutiny in MMA. The management implemented stricter rules and regulations to prevent similar injuries in the future.

Has anyone been seriously injured in UFC?

Chael Sonnen, Travis Browne, and Evangelista Santos suffered serious injuries during their careers. Sonnen broke his nose and got a deep cut above his eye in a fight against Anderson Silva. Travis Browne sustained a broken hand and dislocated finger in a match against Fabricio Werdum. Santos fractured his skull in a fight and had to undergo an emergency immediately post fight against Michael Page. 

Do MMA fighters have long-term damage?

Evidence suggests that MMA fighters are at risk of long-term damage due to the sport’s extreme nature. Repeated blows to the head result in a condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This condition is associated with memory loss, mood changes, and cognitive decline. Similarly, the occurrence of Traumatic encephalopathy syndrome is high in MMA fighters. 72% of MMA fighters test positive for TSE. ^[1]

What is the injury rate for MMA?

Combat sports athletes, especially MMA fighters, have a 73.6% overall injury prevalence rate. This highlights the inherent risks associated with participating in combat sports such as MMA. ^[2]

Suggested Read: 7 Common Sports Injuries You Need to Know About!

Conclusion

In conclusion, MMA is a challenging and exciting sport. It’s crucial to protect yourself from serious injuries. By using protective MMA equipment during training and competition, you can reduce the risk of injury and keep yourself in top shape. So, if you’re an MMA enthusiast, make sure to take the necessary precautions to stay safe while pursuing your passion.

Here are some suggested reads from are blog that might interest you,

• Crash Course on Basic Martial Arts Training at Home
• 7 Essential Boxing Guard Types for Beginners: Ultimate Guide

References:

[1] Traumatic encephalopathy syndrome – BJSports 

[2] MMA Injuries Stats – Gitnux