In a shocking turn of events at UFC Vegas 97, fighter Rong Zhu was rushed to the hospital following a gruesome eye injury sustained during his bout against Chris Padilla. The incident occurred in the second round when Padilla delivered a devastating right elbow to Zhu’s left eye, causing immediate and severe swelling.
The Fight and Injury at UFC Vegas 97
Rong Zhu, who had recently re-earned his UFC contract through the Road to UFC competition, faced off against Chris Padilla at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. Padilla, riding a four-fight win streak, was a formidable opponent. The fight took a dramatic turn when Padilla’s elbow strike forced the referee to call in the ringside doctor. After a brief examination, the doctor deemed Zhu unfit to continue, resulting in a TKO victory for Padilla.
Immediate Aftermath
After the injury at UFC Vegas 97 Zhu was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. His manager later confirmed that Zhu had sustained multiple fractures around his eye and was unable to open it. “He still cannot open his eye,” the manager stated, highlighting the severity of the injury.
Rongzhu suffered multiple fractures to his orbital bone and still cannot open his eye.https://t.co/g6pYLY6yjF
— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) September 8, 2024
Career Implications
This injury at UFC Vegas 97 is a significant setback for Zhu, who had been on a promising trajectory after winning three consecutive fights to secure his UFC return. His initial UFC stint had ended in 2022 following a submission loss, but his recent performances had reignited hopes for a successful career in the octagon.
The MMA community has reacted with concern and support for Zhu. Fans and fellow fighters alike have expressed their hopes for his swift recovery. The incident has also sparked discussions about fighter safety and the potential risks involved in the sport.
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