Viktoriia Dudakova just made her UFC debut at UFC Vegas 77 and started off her career inside the Octagon with a win. However, the method of the win is perhaps something that not many would have desired, including Dudakova. The fight was stopped after her opponent, Istela Nunes, dislocated her elbow during a takedown attempt from the Russian fighter.
Due to an unfortunate injury suffered by Nunes, Viktoriia Dudakova wins her UFC debut. #UFCVegas77 pic.twitter.com/NbEuuvFftf
— UFC (@ufc) July 16, 2023
The incident took place fairly early on in the bout. As the Russian fighter was shooting for a quick takedown, Istela Nunes tried to break her fall with the support of her left hand. However, the pressure of the fall was so severe that it snapped Nunes’ left arm in half. While Viktoriia Dudakova did not notice the injury at first and poised herself to land some ground and pound, Nunes’ screams stopped Dudakova in her tracks and the ref stopped the bout immediately.
🚨REALLY BAD INJURY ALERT 🚨
debut injury win for Dudakova over Nunes #UFCVegas77 pic.twitter.com/ShN2J2fPCc
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 16, 2023
Brutal injuries are quite common inside the Octagon, unfortunately. Fighters like Chris Weidman, Anderson Silva, and Conor McGregor have snapped their legs inside the Octagon previously. Even the former UFC heavyweight champion Tim Sylvia snapped his arm during his UFC 48 bout against Frank Mir. However, that was due to a submission. But an injury such as the one that Istela Nunes suffered is extremely freakish.
Here are some reactions to the injury
Yikessss. Hope it’s nothing career ending or anything. Looks bad
— 🏴☠️ (@BucsLifeItIs) July 16, 2023
Who taught her how to fall down 😂 I was thinking it happened in a wayyyy more dope way like she refused to tap to an armbar or something… But turns out her joints are made of play doh
— Jeff (@Jeff25600) July 16, 2023
No crowd means you can hear the screams of pain 😧
— #ElonOut (@UTDSpalotti) July 16, 2023
Dislocations are so painful, gotta feel for her
— Chris Gallagher (@Chris7Gallagher) July 16, 2023
that’s why you don’t stick out your arm…breakfalls are usually part of training.
— Sand Man (@NFTSandMan) July 16, 2023
Hearing her scream was brutal. The apex environment is raw pic.twitter.com/rme3WuETI7
— Deneye (@DeneyeLynch) July 16, 2023
With the loss, Istela Nunes’ record stands at 6-5. It is certainly not something that the UFC would desire. While it may put her on the chopping blocks, the brutal nature of the injury may prevent UFC from cutting all ties with her. Viktoriia Dudakova, on the other hand, improves her MMA record to 7-0. She seems to be a future title contender in the women’s strawweight division with her impressive wrestling skills.
Dana White shares a brutal update on Istela Nunes’ injury at UFC Vegas 77
UFC President Dana White shared an update on Istela Nunes’ injury after she was given proper medical attention. During an x-ray scan, it became evident that Nunes had dislocated her elbow during the bout at UFC Vegas 77. It is not the first time recently that a fighter has suffered a brutal injury. During his UFC 290 clash against Jalin Turner, Dan Hooker also suffered a broken hand.
Holy sh*t. Hope Istela Nunes recovers well from that one. From Dana White’s IG #UFCVegas77 pic.twitter.com/4FpcvDtR50
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) July 16, 2023
It just proves how tough the fighters really are mentally to put their bodies on the line despite the risk of many injuries that could comprise their quality of life. So what is your reaction to seeing such a brutal injury to Istela Nunes at UFC Vegas 77? Let us know in the comments down below.