Leslie Smith suffered one of the most grizzly injuries we’ve seen in the Octagon in quite some time last night at UFC 180 when a right hook from Jessica Eye almost took her left ear clean off.
The moment of impact was particularly graphic when viewed in the replays – showing a large spurt of blood flying into the air and then the top half of Smith’s ear flapping around as if it was going to fall off at any moment.
Remarkably Smith was allowed to continue fighting for several minutes afterwards with Eye continuing to target her wound, and when a cage-side doctor finally decided enough was enough Smith herself was still protesting that it didn’t hurt and she was fine to continue.
As much of a warrior as she undoubtedly is, even Smith herself had to admit post-fight after realizing the extent of the damge that the doctor had made the right decision.
Below you can see a horrifying picture she took that shows how half her ear had pretty much been torn from her head. Needless to say viewer discretion is advised, you can’t unsee this!
To her credit Smith wasn’t letting the gruesome injury get her down, instead on Twitter later that, “I’m super excited for @markhunt1974 right now! Great first round!”
She also received support from an unexpected source when famed pro-wrestler Mick Foley, who himself had his ear severed clean off during a bout many years ago, offer his support, writing, “Dear @LeslieSmith_GF – it gets better! DM me if you need support or advice.”
Another picture was later snapped of Smith smiling with a large bandage wrapped around her ear.
