Two Fighters Hospitalized After Violent UFC Vegas 114 Bouts

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Following the UFC Vegas 114 event, it was reported that two fighters, Steven Asplund and Harry Hardwick, were transported to the hospital for precautionary medical scans. Asplund underwent checks for head and facial injuries, while Hardwick was diagnosed with a broken jaw sustained during his fight.

Why it matters

These incidents highlight the growing concerns around the increasing physicality and potential for serious injury in modern MMA. The trend towards more aggressive, less defensive fighting styles is contributing to a higher rate of significant injuries among fighters.

The details

Asplund's fight with Vitor Petrino and Hardwick's bout with Marwan Rahiki were both described as grueling, back-and-forth affairs, indicative of the willingness of fighters to engage in high-impact, all-out wars. The necessity for CT scans for Asplund and the diagnosis of Hardwick's broken jaw underscore the inherent risks fighters take each time they enter the Octagon.

• The UFC Vegas 114 event took place on March 15, 2026.

What’s next

The UFC will likely review the incidents and consider further measures to enhance fighter safety, such as more comprehensive medical evaluations, stricter weight cutting regulations, and improved fighter compensation and insurance.