Yes, for a minor injury (such as staph), you can skate between the lines. A critical injury that renders a fighter being unable to fight and stating you can still fight is against the commission's rules. A non-UFC member of the commission is designated to each UFC and Fight Night to ask that exact question. Going into a fight with a critical pre-existing injury has a major implication on gambling, and will trigger several questions from the Gaming Commission. I would've marked it up to a on the mat injury if they hadn't shown a clip of him taking his shoes off and immediately limping in the ring before fighting. I'm still up for the night so idgaf, but I'd bet this will definitely make waves in the gambling regulations and will certainly receive an extensive follow up investigation, followed by major fines. Quote me.
Imagine Tom Brady saying he was ready for a Super Bowl but actually had a broken leg going into the game before falling out in the first down. It's the exact same concept, and falls under the same game commission standards.
I mean...sure but this has happened many times.
maybe not from first strike but, one example coming to mind is TJs shoulder injury in his last fight.
maybe Tom aspinals first kick that got him out of the fight too couple years ago.
This post was edited by TidsL on Jul 11 2026 10:36pm