Dana White drops graphic information and puts end to UFC fans debate over controversial stoppage 

UFC Vegas 105 fighter Daniel Frunza gets a brutal cut against Rhys McKee, forcing the doctor to stop the fight.

Dana White drops graphic information and puts end to UFC fans debate over controversial stoppage 

Dana White shares brutal images of Daniel Frunza’s injury (via Imago/X)

UFC Vegas 105 lit up the UFC Apex with some unforgettable moments all night. The prelim welterweight clash between Daniel Frunza and Rhys McKee stood out, ending in a violent flurry and a nasty injury. Fans were shocked as McKee unleashed brutal elbows, leaving Frunza bloodied and forcing a doctor stoppage before the final bell.

The incident occurred in round one, and doctors chose not to risk continuing the fight, ending the bout prematurely. Fans and analysts were disappointed by the stoppage, sparking heated debates online about whether it was the right decision. However, Dana White’s recent Instagram stories revealed the severity of Frunza’s injury, offering a different perspective on the injury. 

Dana White has always shown a sympathetic side with brutal injuries, often sharing graphic photos on his social media accounts. In this case, Frunza suffered a gruesome cut on his upper lip that required multiple stitches. This is similar to when UFC legend Alistair Overeem cut his lip wide open after fighting Jairzinho Rozenstruik in 2019. 

Brutal injuries like this are common in the UFC, and doctors are responsible for making the right call. Although there was initial backlash, fans eventually recognized Frunza’s injury and accepted the stoppage decision. Meanwhile, for Rhys McKee, the fight marked a significant career moment as he secured a remarkable and well-deserved victory.

UFC Vegas 105 winner praises rising Irish fighter

Rhys McKee made his UFC debut back in 2020, and faced Khamzat Chimaev only to suffer a first-round TKO loss. Later that year, he fought Alex Morono and lost via unanimous decision, marking a tough start to his initial UFC run. Despite these setbacks, McKee remained focused and rebuilt his career with strong performances in Cage Warriors before returning.

Rhys McKee beats Daniel Frunza via doctor's stoppage
Rhys McKee beats Daniel Frunza via doctor’s stoppage (via X)

However, McKee’s UFC return started rough, suffering two consecutive losses before finally earning his first victory against Daniel Frunza. Following the win, he gave a heartfelt shout-out to top PFL lightweight Paul Hughes, acknowledging their strong bond and mutual support. During the post-fight press conference, McKee spoke more about Hughes in detail. 

I bet Paul Hughes is watching this and screaming at TV somewhere because he is the man. The reason Paul Hughes is where he is because he is so happy for everyone’s success. He might not be here but he’s one of the country’s best, if not the best. 

Rhys McKee via UFC Vegas 105 Post-fight presser 

Hughes recently fought Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, in a high-stakes bout that tested his skills and composure. Despite the pressure, Hughes displayed incredible grit and technical ability but failed to secure the win. Following the fight, tensions escalated with Conor McGregor after Hughes criticized his recent comments, sparking a heated online exchange.

The beef caught attention quickly, with fans divided between McGregor’s legacy and Hughes, as a rising Irish star in the MMA world.  Once a national hero, ‘The Notorious’ has already lost his appeal among his countrymen and young athletes. Nevertheless, fighters like Hughes and McKee are trying to change that 

Hughes and McKee both train out of the same gym, Fight Academy Ireland, located in Belfast. Both fighters credit the gym’s coaching staff and atmosphere for their development and success on the international MMA stage. Given their talent, it would be interesting to see if they can be the next world champions from Ireland. 

Related: Ex-UFC star hits back against Khabib Nurmagomedov after surprising tirade on Irish MMA