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Andrew McNicol

***Warning: this story contains graphic images***
UFC veteran Gabriel Benitez showed serious heart after suffering a horrific gash on his shin during his unanimous decision loss to undefeated Omar Morales at UFC Fight Night on Wednesday.
The injury occurred after Benitez's (21-8) leg-kicks were continuously checked by Venezuelan Morales (10-0) in the first round, the contact causing his shin to split open at an empty VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
The 31-year-old Mexican fought the remaining two rounds with a split shin, with fans saying they could even see bone.

Doctors did their best to disinfect and quell the damaged area but the cut – which will requires stitches – continued to reopen.
“It is a satisfying victory because I put more effort into a war like that and I know all the work I’ve put into this fight and to get a win in this exact moment,” Morales said backstage.

Enjoy pic.twitter.com/NU1YcHJQgp
— Hero (@HeroShinwoo) May 14, 2020

“All of my fights are action packed and they are never boring. That's why I'm a real prospect in this division. I keep people entertained, put on a good show and that's just in my striking style. I will continue to put on exciting fights.”
Despite losing to Morales with scores of 30-29, 29-27, 29-27 from the judges, “Moggly” Benitez smiled during and after the decision was announced.
Benitez is now on a two-fight losing streak, while the 34-year-old Morales has been perfect in the UFC since joining from Dana White's Contender Series television show in 2019.

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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)

UFC: Gabriel Benitez suffers horrendous shin gash in decision loss against Omar Morales

UFC veteran Gabriel Benitez suffers a shin injury during his fight against Omar Morales at UFC Fight Night in Florida. Photo: AFP

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - MAY 13: Gabriel Benitez (L) of Mexico fights Omar Antonio Morales Ferrer (R) of Venezuela in their Lightweight bout during UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 13, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

UFC 249: Bryce Mitchell utterly dominates Charles Rosa with grappling masterclass in unanimous decision win

Bryce Mitchell tries to choke Charles Rosa at UFC 249. Photos: USA TODAY Sports

May 9, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Bryce Mitchell (red gloves) defeats Charles Rosa (blue gloves) during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

May 9, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Bryce Mitchell (red gloves) fights Charles Rosa (blue gloves) during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

UFC 249: Anthony Pettis gets decision but Donald Cerrone upset after controversial ‘eye poke’

Anthony Pettis attempts to strike Donald Cerrone in their welterweight fight at UFC 249. Photos: AFP

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - MAY 09: Donald Cerrone (L) of the United States kicks Anthony Pettis (R) of the United States in their Welterweight fight during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 09, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

UFC 249: Calvin Kattar busts Jeremy Stephens open in emphatic KO win

Calvin Kattar reigns down blows on Jeremy Stephens on the canvas. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Stephens, left, receives medical attention after he was knocked out by Calvin Kattar during a UFC 249 mixed martial arts bout Saturday, May 9, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

May 9, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jeremy Stephens (red gloves) fights Calvin Kattar (blue gloves) during UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

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Anthony Smith throws a punch at Jon Jones in their light heavyweight title bout at UFC 235. Photo: AP

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Khabib Nurmagomedov speaks after beating Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Reuters

Sport

Martial Arts

Mixed Martial Arts


Mexican veteran Benitez splits shin open after Morales checks several leg kicks at UFC Fight Night in Florida
Contender Series star Morales remains undefeated after unanimous decision win



Mexican veteran Gabriel Benitez splits shin wide open in loss to Contender Series star Omar Morales at UFC Fight Night in Florida.


UFC: Gabriel Benitez suffers horrendous shin gash in decision loss against Omar Morales

Mexican veteran Benitez splits shin open after Morales checks several leg kicks at UFC Fight Night in Florida Contender Series star Morales remains undefeated after unanimous decision win

Mexican veteran Benitez splits shin open after Morales checks several leg kicks at UFC Fight Night in Florida

Contender Series star Morales remains undefeated after unanimous decision win