UFC middleweight Bruno Silva was taken to the hospital after seemingly suffering a DENTED SKULL during his fight against Marc-Andre Barriault.
The veteran fighter was brutally knocked out in the first round by the Canadian opponent during the UFC 315 preliminary fights in Montreal early Sunday.
Barriault knocked Silva down with a series of sharp elbows against the cage, one of which visibly dented the Brazilian`s skull.
Silva, 35, remained on the octagon canvas for several worrying minutes before being immediately taken to the hospital.
Medical staff used a stretcher to remove him from the cage and transport him for further medical evaluation.
Fortunately, Silva provided a positive update from the hospital, stating that his X-rays were “negative” and imaging scans were “normal”.
He shared an update on his Instagram story in Portuguese, writing: “Good night, just letting you know that I’m fine.”
“I went to the hospital and had tests, everything is fine with my health.
“I received many messages from people who truly care about me; it was good.
“I wanted to win to share my story, about everything I went through and how I managed to get back up, but life is what`s truly valuable.
I am a victor. This is not the moment that will end my story and my legacy.”
Barriault was understandably thrilled with his victory by stoppage but admitted he became seriously concerned for Silva`s health upon seeing him motionless on the canvas.
The 35-year-old winner commented in his post-fight press conference: “I still have goosebumps.”
“[But then] I realized he was still on the ground after a couple of minutes.
“Then I felt like something was wrong.”
Silva`s future in the UFC is uncertain, as he has now suffered five consecutive losses.
Elton Marrow