Combat sports are a tricky trade and often take a massive toll on fighters’ health. As such, injuries have become somewhat of a common recurrence at the game’s highest level. Recently, UFC strawweight Istela Nunes suffered one of the most brutal injuries we have ever seen in the sport.
For those unaware, Istela hails from Brazil and trains at the well-renowned American Top Team gym. Moreover, she is a two-time Muay Thai World Champion and has extensive experience fighting in numerous promotions across the globe. Prior to her current stint with the UFC, Nunes has appeared in numerous promotions, such as Imortal FC, FLC, and One Championship, among many others.
During her most recent fight, Nunes suffered a devastating injury, which had many fans and fighters seriously worried for her health. Previously, the Brazilian took on Russian prospect Victoria Dudakova at UFC Vegas 77. In the opening exchange of the fight, Dudakova moved in for a quick takedown. In trying to break her fall, Nunes dislocated her elbow in a grotesque fashion.
One of the more horrifying injuries was that Istela’s arm was seemingly in two different pieces. Following the injury, the fight was waved off, with the judges declaring it a victory for Dudakova. Soon thereafter, Istela took to social media to thank the fans for their support and reveal that she was in recovery. Assisted by her wife, Katie Hohmann, Nunes indicated that she would soon be back to showcase her hard work.
Istela Nunes has already recovered from her devastating injury
In 2021, Nunes made her way to the UFC and made her debut at UFC Vegas 40. On the night, Istela took on Ariane Carnelossi but suffered a third-round submission defeat. Following that, Nunes suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of Sam Huges and Yazmin Jauregui by way of a majority decision and KO/TKO, respectively.
Thus, Istela had a lot riding on her shoulders for her fight against Victoria Dudakova. Unfortunately, instead of being able to make a case for herself, the 31-year-old suffered a massive setback. Following the injury, fighters and fans flocked to social media to show their support for the injured fighter. Whilst her opponent will be making a turnaround at UFC 294, Nunes is expected to be out for longer.
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Whilst the UFC has seen its fair share of deep cuts and horrific leg breaks, Nunes’ injury was in a league of its own. Prior to Nunes, former light heavyweight champ Jamahal Hill also suffered a dislocated elbow in his fight against Paul Craig. Although their injuries are comparable, Istela’s arm seemingly fell into two separate pieces, making for a very disturbing image as well.
Despite the brutal injury, Istela was in good spirits and celebrated her 31st birthday only a few days later. Moreover, Nunes is seemingly back in training, posting a training session on August 18. Thus, her recovery is going to plan, and following a go-ahead from the UFC’s medical department, we could see Nunes back in action. All that said, Istela has made a miraculous recovery, one that could boost her morale and break her deadlock in the UFC as well.