In the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts, where adrenaline fuels every strike and submission, injuries are an inherent, if unwelcome, part of the spectacle. Fighters push the boundaries of human endurance, and the consequences can be profound. Yet, even for seasoned observers like Joe Rogan, who has spent over two decades commentating on the UFC and countless other combat sports events, some injuries transcend mere severity, etching themselves into memory as truly unique and terrifying.
Recently, Rogan pinpointed one such incident, describing it as the “most gruesome injury” he has ever witnessed in a lifelong association with martial arts. His chosen candidate wasn`t from the UFC`s octagonal cage, but from a Bellator event in 2016, a moment of startling brutality delivered by the enigmatic Michael “Venom” Page to veteran Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos.
The Bellator 158 Impact: A Knee, A Skull, A Pokémon Ball
The date was July 16, 2016. Bellator 158 in London. The buzz around Michael “Venom” Page (MVP) was palpable. Known for his unorthodox, flashy style and devastating striking, Page was facing the tough, experienced Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos. The fight unfolded with MVP`s signature flair, but it was the final blow that would seal its place in MMA lore.
In the second round, Page launched a perfectly timed flying knee that connected with sickening precision to Santos` forehead. The sound, Rogan later recounted, was akin to “a baseball bat on a pumpkin.” What followed was a scene that juxtaposed immense pain with an almost surreal celebration: Santos collapsed, clutching his head in agony, while MVP, perhaps unaware of the catastrophic damage he had just inflicted, coolly threw a Pokémon ball towards his fallen opponent. The imagery became instantly viral, a stark and slightly unnerving emblem of modern combat sports.
Doctors` Verdict: Beyond Combat Norms
The severity of Santos` injury quickly overshadowed Page`s theatrical celebration. A post-fight image of Santos’ skull circulated, revealing a deeply visible dent in his forehead. It wasn`t just a concussion or a fracture; it was a caved-in skull. The sheer extent of the damage left medical professionals in disbelief.
“That’s the most gruesome injury I’ve ever seen,” Joe Rogan stated unequivocally when discussing the incident. “I’ve seen a lot of broken bones, but I’ve never seen someone with a caved-in head.”
Michael Page himself later elaborated on the medical reaction during an appearance on Rogan`s podcast. “The doctors were saying that they’ve only ever seen that in a car accident, never in MMA,” Page recounted. This comparison to a high-impact traffic collision, rather than a typical combat sports trauma, underscored the unprecedented nature of the injury within the confines of a fighting ring. For Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos, that fateful knee marked the end of his fighting career; he never competed again.
From Gruesome History to UFC Stardom
While the injury tragically ended Santos` career, Michael “Venom” Page’s journey continued, eventually leading him to the sport`s biggest stage. After a decorated run in Bellator, MVP made the highly anticipated jump to the UFC in 2024. Despite the weight of that infamous knockout in his past, Page has quickly established himself as a legitimate threat within the elite promotion.
His UFC debut saw him comfortably outpointing Kevin Holland at welterweight. Though he later faced a decision defeat against Ian Garry, who employed a wrestling-heavy strategy, Page has since demonstrated his versatility by moving up to middleweight. There, he became the first man to defeat the previously unbeaten Shara Magomedov and secured a crucial win over veteran Jared Cannonier. His impressive 3-1 Octagon record reflects a fighter who, even at 38, continues to evolve and challenge top-tier opponents.
As 2025 progresses, the MMA community eagerly awaits Page`s next move – whether he`ll continue his ascent at middleweight or return to welterweight. Regardless of his next opponent or division, the memory of that devastating flying knee at Bellator 158 remains a stark reminder of the raw, unpredictable power inherent in martial arts, and the unique, sometimes horrifying, moments that shape its history.
The Enduring Impact of a Single Knee
Joe Rogan’s recollection of Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos` skull injury serves as more than just a gruesome anecdote. It`s a testament to the extreme physical demands and inherent risks of professional combat sports. It highlights how, even with decades of exposure to blood, broken bones, and knockouts, certain moments can still shock the most hardened observers and medical professionals alike.
The incident remains a chilling benchmark for severity in MMA, a powerful reminder that while entertainment is key, the consequences for the athletes can be life-altering. As Michael Page continues to carve out his legacy in the UFC, the shadow of that singular, devastating blow to “Cyborg” Santos` skull, and Joe Rogan`s emphatic declaration, ensures that it will forever be a part of his narrative – a truly unprecedented injury in the annals of combat sports.
Gareth Pendleton