UFC star Carla Esparza suffers horror eye gash that sees her Fury Pro Grappling submission fight stopped early
CARLA ESPARZA has showed off a nasty eye injury picked up in a submission-only bout against Danielle Kelly… and it’s not one for the faint hearted.
The incident occurred during the FURY Pro Grappling 3 event in Philadelphia on Thursday night following an accidental clash of heads.
American fighter Esparza was left with a nasty gash above her eye, which meant the fight had to be cut short.
Kelly was awarded the win from the submission only bout as a result of the accidental cut.
Taking to Instagram after the fight, Esparza shared a picture of the horrific injury, writing: “Sorry guys, accidental head butt on a slam led to a cut and a stop in the match.
“In good spirits! Just gotta get a couple stitches. Thanks so much @furygrappling for having me, and @daniellekellybjj for the match.”
Meanwhile Kelly said: “So I just want to say I wish @carlaesparza1 a speedy recovery. Not me or her were expecting that and maybe a rematch in the future if it doesn’t get between schedules.
“Honestly I was confused and a lot of adrenaline was going through me. I was just really excited to be apart of a huge event with everyone watching.
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“Im also just nerding out this mark on my face lol. Thank you to everyone for the support and my sponsors. Thank you @furygrappling @ufcfightpass.”
Esparza took the FURY Pro Grappling submission fight at short notice after Kelly’s original opponent, Rose Namajunas, tested positive for Covid-19.
Meanwhile back in the UFC, chief Dana White recently confirmed Esparza deserved a shot at a world title.
He told ESPN that she is ‘100 percent’ next in line for a shot at Namajunas’ strawweight belt.
A five-fight win streak in the UFC means she will once again face Namajunas inside the octagon.
The pair first fought all the way back in 2014, with Esparza coming out on top to become the first ever UFC strawweight champion.
She lost the belt in 2015, but her eyes are firmly fixed on reclaiming the title in the near future.
A date for the rematch is yet to be decided, but another shot at UFC world glory is not far away.