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We are coming off a brutally tragic week in combat sports. Argentine boxer Hugo Santillan and Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev both died this week due to injuries sustained in matches, reminding us once again of the inherent dangers of beating people up for a living.
Thiago Santos’ injuries stemming from a split decision loss to Jon Jones in his light heavyweight title fight at UFC 239 earlier this month are trivial in comparison to loss of life, but it’s hard not to cringe nonetheless.
The Brazilian mixed martial artist posted a video of himself standing up out of his wheelchair on Wednesday after undergoing surgeries on BOTH knees.
An MRI after the fight revealed that he tore his the ACL, MCL, PCL, and meniscus in his left knee. He also re-injured his right knee and underwent surgery on both knees days after the fight.
Santos claims it’s been a week since his surgeries, and he’s still can’t “eat or sleep properly” due to medications and even walking to the bathroom is a battle due to the excruciating pain.
It’s been 7 days since the surgeries on my knees. I must admit, these days are tough, filled with a lot of pain. I can’t sleep or eat properly due to the medications. I even fear using the bathroom because the walk there is a battle. Thank God the pain is subsiding. pic.twitter.com/2oD39DEsvN
— Thiago “Marreta” Santos (@TMarretaMMA) July 25, 2019
I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around how someone can fight, let alone stand, against one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet with two knees that are that severely fucked up. It is beyond my comprehension how a human being with nerve endings just doesn’t drop into the fetal position and wait for an ambulance.
Right behind Jones is Thiago Santos needing to be helped out after barely losing to the best mixed martial artist in the world. pic.twitter.com/3nEyeIYyby
— Andreas Hale (@AndreasHale) July 7, 2019
Santos became the first fighter to win one scorecard against Jones, and some even scored the fight in the Brazilian’s favor. In the end, Jones secured his second title since recapturing the belt last year and ended Santos four-match win streak in the process.
Jones responded to Santos video by offering his opponent words of encouragement.
Remember God gives his toughest battles to his toughest soldiers. Life is all about perspective. Use this time wisely, I have no doubt you will. Handle this adversity with your head high, never know who you’re inspiring. God Speed https://t.co/WvtHkrzeDx
— BONY (@JonnyBones) July 25, 2019
The amazing part about this is that in however many months, Santos is going to be back in the octagon throwing weight around.