Jamahal Hill and Glover Teixeira were both taken straight to hospital after their bloody five-round title fight at UFC 283.
It was Hill who came out on top after 25 minutes to win the vacant light-heavyweight title, much to the disappointment of the Brazilian crowd who were routing for their countryman Teixeira to win back his belt. The bloodied and bruised 43-year-old took his gloves off in the cage and retired after the loss.
Both men were transported to a local hospital in Rio de Janeiro for safety precautions following their fight, meaning they were absent from the event's post-fight press conference. The extent of their injuries is unclear, but Teixeira did leave the cage with several facial lacerations that will require stitches.
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Hill, who became the first ever Contender Series to win a UFC title, was overwhelmed with emotion when the official decision was read out. The 31-year-old fired back at critics who told him he couldn't go five rounds with Teixeira, of whom he praised for his sheer toughness.
"From where I came from to get to this, it's unreal," Hill said. "Anything is possible, hard work, dedication, accountability, don't let anybody tell you nothing. Too many people told me I couldn't do it was impossible, that I could only win in one round and I couldn't to go five, what the f*** you gonna say now?
"The dude is tough as bricks, I don't know anybody who would have been willing to take the punches I was throwing and keep going. I heard the referee saying 'keep fighting' and I was like 'damn it, he is'. He didn't stop [fighting] the whole time and it was just an honour to share the cage with him."
Teixeira retired after the loss but insisted he will stay in MMA to help coach UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira. The 43-year-old, who holds a record for being one of the oldest champions in UFC history, ends his 20-year career with an impressive record of 33-9.
“In reality, I think I’m too tough for my own good, too tough for my own health. I can’t keep up anymore “I’m gonna focus my energy on Alex Pereira. He’s gonna keep his belt for a while then go up to light heavyweight.
"It’s an honour to put the gloves down on the same night as Shogun [Rua] I wish we were in the Royce Gracie era where you just go no rounds and keep going. But we’re not, and I just can’t keep up anymore," Teixeira said.
