Video: EFC 92 event kicks off with a nasty broken leg
EFC 92 got off to an unfortunate start on Saturday.
The first fight of the South African promotion’s event was a heavyweight bout between Willem Smith and Ivan Strydom, which ended in a manner that is never easy to watch.
Similar to Anderson Silva vs.Chris Weidman at UFC 168 and Uriah Hall vs. Weidman at UFC 261, this fight ended after a checked leg kick.
Smith threw a right outside leg kick, but Strydom kept his left leg planted, which immediately caused a break. Check out the video of the unfortunate ending below (via Twitter):
OUCH!
Shocking first fight of EFC92.
Wishing Willem Smith all the best on his road to recovery from this very unfortunate incident!#EFC92 pic.twitter.com/cfdoaQawot— EFC Worldwide (@EFCworldwide) March 5, 2022
Smith, who has fought his entire professional career under the EFC banner, immediately crashed to the canvas after the leg kick. Fortunately, his opponent and the referee both noticed the injury and there were no strikes landed as he laid on the ground in disbelief.
Shortly after the incident, Smith appeared in good spirits as he gave a thumbs up with a smile in a photograph backstage.
THUMBS UP FROM ‘THE VIKING’
Following a shocking end to the first fight of EFC 92, Willem Smith in good spirits alongside Soldierboy!#EFC92 pic.twitter.com/2hYnd29B41
— EFC Worldwide (@EFCworldwide) March 5, 2022
Strydom picked up the second win of his professional career in a manner that reminds everyone of the dangers of competing in MMA.