How dangerous is UFC? Michael Bisping reveals the true cost of fighting

The UFC has long been recognized for its intense competition and brutal physicality, but behind the scenes, the long-term consequences for fighters are often severe. Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping recently offered a candid look into what a career in mixed martial arts has cost him—both physically and mentally.

Michael Bisping Opens Up On The Lasting Damage

Michael Bisping didn’t hold back when detailing the toll his body has taken. He said, “I’ve got one eye. I’ve got two total knee replacements. I’ve got a torn labrum I need to get operated on. I’ve got a gigantic lump on my wrist — they want to do an operation on that.” In addition, he revealed that reconstructive surgery on his nose has affected his ability to breathe properly during sleep.

Though Bisping remains active as a commentator and media figure, he quietly battles daily reminders of his time in the cage—an experience many fighters share but few discuss so openly.

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Fighting Despite Going Blind

Perhaps most striking is Bisping’s admission that he continued to fight after suffering a detached retina in 2013 from a head kick delivered by Vitor Belfort. That injury left him blind in one eye, yet he passed medical exams and went on to capture the UFC middleweight title in 2016. His ability to compete at the highest level with such a significant impairment underscores the extreme dedication—and danger—common in the sport.

A Call for Fighter Safety

Bisping has also used his platform to advocate for stricter rules, especially after Henry Cejudo suffered temporary vision loss from an eye poke. Bisping, drawing from his own experience, stressed the need to take such fouls more seriously to prevent long-term harm.

Despite the physical consequences, Bisping seems to accept his reality with a degree of resolve. “But I knew what I was signing up for,” he stated, acknowledging the risks that come with chasing UFC glory.

His story is a stark reminder of the physical price fighters pay for success—and a compelling reason to continue pushing for better safety standards and post-career support in mixed martial arts.