Kiwi fighter Dan Hooker is still counting the cost of his bloody victory over American Jalin Turner at UFC 290 in Las Vegas, now revealing a cheek fracture to go with his broken arm.
Already famous for his ability to withstand pain, the lightweight contender added to that reputation, as he came back from the brink of defeat to score a split-decision win over his opponent.
Turner rocked him twice in the second round with vicious kicks to the head that opened up a cut above Hooker's eye, leaving his new peroxide hairdo soaked in blood by the fight's end.
Somehow, Hooker absorbed the punishment and ended the same round on the ground, with Turner locked in a submission hold, but saved by the bell.
The Kiwi dominated the third round, without quite finishing his rival off, and soon after his arm was raised, he confirmed a broken arm suffered during the bout.
"Just a scratch," insisted Hooker, who has now posted images of his facial damage on Instagram.
"Annuda scratch," he wrote.
The victory was Hooker's second straight, after a run of four defeats in five outings. Turner actually weighed in three pounds over the 155lb (70kg) limit for a title fight.
"I'm just so appreciate of everyone's support, and everyone that's stuck by me and knew I would come out the other side," he told ringside announcer Joe Rogan.
"They say tough times don't last, Dan Hooker does."
