Alex Caceres: I broke my forearm blocking a head kick in the first round and tried my best to win even through the pain.
In a display of unwavering resilience, Alex Caceres showcased his warrior spirit as he valiantly fought through a broken forearm to face Giga Chikadze at UFC Singapore. The gritty veteran featherweight managed to weather the storm and persevere until the final bell, despite the injury suffered in the opening round.
Caceres, who ultimately succumbed to a unanimous decision loss, took to social media to share the extent of his injury. Posting an x-ray revealing a snapped forearm bone, Caceres disclosed that the injury occurred when he blocked a thunderous head kick from Chikadze in the initial round of the fight.
After the match, Caceres took a moment to reflect and showed admiration for his opponent’s performance. In an Instagram post, he acknowledged that it wasn’t his night and revealed that he had broken his forearm while blocking a head kick in the first round. Despite the pain, Caceres gave his all to try and win. He extended his respect to Giga Chikadze for delivering a great fight.
Chikadze, who had been absent from the octagon for 18 months, praised Caceres for his determination. He referred to Caceres as a true warrior and offered well wishes for a quick recovery. A photo surfaced of the two fighters together in the hospital receiving post-fight care.
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Chikadze showcased his exceptional striking skills throughout the fight, particularly known for his devastating kicks. He delivered a series of powerful combinations, with his kicks playing a crucial role in causing Caceres’ injury.
Despite facing significant challenges, Caceres displayed tremendous determination and fought fiercely for the entire three rounds. However, the judges ultimately gave the victory to Chikadze, bringing an end to Caceres’ impressive two-fight winning streak, which included notable victories over Daniel Pineda and Julian Erosa.
The extent and recovery timeline for Caceres’ broken forearm are still uncertain. To provide some context, former UFC fighter Paige VanZant went through surgery to treat a similar injury. As Caceres begins his healing process, the MMA community eagerly awaits his return to the octagon.
Chikadze’s comeback victory signified a successful return to his winning ways after a previous loss to Calvin Kattar. This win reignited his momentum and erased any uncertainties that arose from his first defeat since joining the UFC roster.
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