8 Ways Fighter's Bodies Changed Forever Because Of MMA
2. Cyborg Santos' Suffers A Broken Skull Thanks To A Knee From MVP
Evangelista 'Cyborg' Santos is one of MMA's toughest journeymen. Cutting his teeth in the notoriously brutal Vale Tudo circuit in Brazil, Cyborg became one of the most reliable competitors in the sport for producing bouts that were incredibly exciting and violent in equal measure.
Santos fought for the Cage Rage Light Heavyweight Championship in 2006 against Dutch striking powerhouse Melvin Manhoef with the pair engaging in one of the best two-round fights in the history of the sport, with both men going balls to the wall in pursuit of victory.
However, by the time Santos signed with Bellator in 2016, it's fair to say he was past his fighting prime. Just two months after suffering a knockout loss to promotional stalwart Saad Awad, Cyborg returned to face MMA super prospect, Michael Venom Page.
MVP's flashy style belies his insane power, with Santos finding himself on the receiving end of one of the most brutal KO's in MMA history. Cyborg was left with a fractured skull, caving his forehead inwards and forcing doctors to implant titanium.
Unsurprisingly, Santos retired from competition following the incident.