STRONG IMAGE: Former Contender Series' ear 'explodes' during fight in the USA

Former Contender Series star's ear 'explodes' after brutal sequence in fight in the US. Photo: Reproduction/X

A former Contender Series fighter suffered a shocking injury during Fury FC 104, held last Sunday (25), in Houston, Texas (USA). Zach Borrego had his left ear, which was already marked by a deformation known as 'cauliflower', ruptured after a sequence of blows delivered by Brandon Holmes in the third round. The incident, which resulted in heavy bleeding, caused the fight to be stopped in a technical knockout.

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The fight between Zach Borrego and Brandon Holmes, valid for Fury FC 104, was marked by balance in the first rounds, but ended in physical tragedy for the former Contender Series participant. The turning point came in the third round. With a fractured nose, Borrego began breathing through his mouth, which led to the repeated displacement of his mouthguard.

Already vulnerable, Borrego received punches to the side of the head, followed by a left hook that ruptured the American's already injured ear. The bleeding was immediate and uncontrollable, which caused the fight to be stopped at 4m23sec of the final round. 'Cauliflower ear' is a common condition in grappling and jiu-jitsu athletes, caused by repeated trauma that deforms the cartilage.

STRONG IMAGE: Former Contender Series' ear 'explodes' after brutal sequence in fight in the USA

the consequences of doing mma #FuryFC104 pic.twitter.com/4OMjhTlna2

— MMA.Done (@MMADoneee) May 25, 2025

Ohhhh no#furyFC104 https://t.co/10mKMFwU9v

- Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) May 25, 2025