Fight fans were put to the test earlier today (Fri., Nov. 24, 2023) when a fight at ACA 166 was stopped after a fighter’s ear exploded in a bloody mess. It’s not something often seen inside of the cage so it was an interesting watch.
The incident occurred during a co-main event matchup between welterweights Edil Esengulov and Vinicius Cruz, who were both fighting to move onto the next round in the ACA Welterweight Grand Prix. Esengulov had won his last 13 professional fights and was the betting favorite Saturday night in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Cruz was no pushover in this co-main event clash, but it was Esengulov who proved to be the better all-around contender. The two battled it out for three rounds before the action spilled into the fourth. That’s when the fight-ending ear explosion happened and left fight fans with an image that will last through the holiday weekend.
Esengulov was in top control and timed a perfect left elbow. It caught Cruz directly on the right ear, which was already insanely cauliflower. The second the elbow connected Cruz’s ear burst, sending blood splattering across the canvas. The referee called a stop to the action and the fight was eventually waved off.
It was a gnarly scene to say the least. Check it out above if you wish.
