UFC Vegas 114 concluded at the Meta Apex, and what a night it was. Though only six bouts out of 14 turned out to be violent finishes, some fights that went to a decision also turned into back-and-forth wars. In the aftermath of the action-packed night, two fighters in particular were reportedly sent to the hospital.

According to a report by MMA Mania, the promotion sent Steven Asplund for a precautionary head checkup after a grueling 15-minute war against Vitor Petrino. Then, the promotion also sent Harry Hardwick to the hospital to treat his broken jaw, face, and head after his opponent Marwan Rahiki’s blow stopped the fight in the second round.

In the UFC Vegas 114 prelims, Asplund vs. Petrino was a highly anticipated heavyweight bout that promised fireworks and ended up delivering on the expectations. Both heavyweights swung haymakers at each other, and in the first round, ‘Concrete’ managed to knock down the Brazilian with a well-timed shot. However, as the fight progressed, fatigue started setting in for both heavyweights, more in the case of Apslund, who became susceptible to Petrino’s sniping jabs and head kicks.

After three rounds of a proper phone booth scrap, the Minneapolis native’s face showed clear signs of damage as the judges declared the Brazilian the winner of the heavyweight showdown. And when you thought that Asplund vs Petrino’s bout was highly violent, Harry Hardwick vs. Marwan Rahiki’s featherweight bout just raised the bar even higher.

The former Cage Warriors kingpin looked slick dealing with the punches inside the Octagon, but Rahiki landed a flurry of punches at the end of the second round that turned the tide. On the stool, Hardwick told his corner that his jaw was broken, and the referee waved off the bout before the third round. As a result, ‘Freaky’ went home with a statement victory.  

Now, Hardwick’s heart that never gives up during a scrap does provide the fans with entertaining fights. But it also sends him to the hospital quite frequently, as he also left the Octagon last time in a wheelchair after his fight against Kauê Fernandes. Still, the Englishman doesn’t seem to mind that at all. 

Harry Hardwick shares an update from the hospital after UFC Vegas 114 loss

When it comes to staying positive in the face of adversity, there are a few things to be learned from Harry Hardwick. Even though he’s suffering from a broken jaw, ‘Houdini’ is not complaining about his condition, as he’s ready to leave solid foods for some time and enjoy soups, smoothies, and milkshakes.

“Everybody, I’m okay. My jaw is obviously f—ed. But that’s all right,” Hardwick stated from his hospital bed. “I like soup, I like smoothies, and I like milkshakes, and I like energy drinks. So all these things I can still have. Life’s good, I cannot complain about my position. I have an amazing, beautiful girlfriend, good health, good family, good support network. No one needs to cry for me. I’m okay.

I’m obviously gutted, but that’s the sport I’m in. I wanted to win, but it is what it is. Hats off to Marwan, mate, he threw the shot that broke my jaw. He did it on purpose. It’s not luck, it is what it is,” he added.

Well, it’s nice to see such positivity from the Englishman’s side, but other than him dealing with a broken jaw, there’s another bitter reality looming for him. After dropping two fights in a row, Hardwick might be on Dana White and Co.’s radar, and one more loss could be detrimental to his career in the UFC.

That said, what do you think about the UFC Vegas 114 event as a whole? Let us know in the comments section below.