UFC star gives update from hospital after being forced to quit mid-fight with broken jaw

Harry Hardwick is receiving treatment for his broken jaw in hospital after quitting his fight with Marwan Rahiki.

Hardwick entered the cage looking to bounce back from defeat in his first appearance in the UFC last September.

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He took on undefeated Rahiki who had fared far better on his own debut for Dana White‘s promotion last October scoring KO victory.

For the Middlesbrough native, he had hoped to make a statement after stepping up from Cage Warriors but things took a turn for the worse.

Hardwick’s broken jaw stops fight

Hardwick made a bright start to the contest and traded aggressively with the Moroccan in an all-action opening stanza.

But things sharply changed course, as he was rocked by a crisp combination which crushed into his jaw.

Rahiki sensed his moment and went on the offensive pursuing him around the steel surround and unloading some big blows which hit their mark.

It was clear that Hardwick had taken some sustained punishment with his mouth left permanently open during the exchanges before the claxon.

And as he went back to his corner having survived, he told his team that he had suffered a broken jaw.

Officials examined the jaw along with his team and decided the bout needed to be medically stopped with Hardwick unable to continue.

His resilient display was also followed up by a moment of sportsmanship as he apologised for the stoppage and explained the injury to Rahiki.

Hardwick then received immediate treatment in the cage and was escorted backstage for further examination.

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Hardwick rushed to hospital

The Englishman was taken to hospital by ambulance where he gave a first update to fans.

His face looked disfigured and badly bruised as he received treatment including medication for the painful injury.

While in the ambulance, he said: “Everybody, I am ok. My jaw is obviously fu***d, but that’s alright.

“I like soup. I like smoothies, I like milkshakes, and I like energy drinks.

“So all these things I can still have. Life is good. I cannot complain about my position.

“I have an amazing, beautiful girlfriend, a good house, and a good family.

“No one needs to cry for me. I am ok.”

Hardwick was then seen in a hospital bed with his partner present, where he suggested ‘everything will be okay’.

It will be an extended spell away from the cage in order to make a full recovery.

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