Hematoma: A Gallery of Some of The Best Bruises In Combat Sports
Throughout mixed martial arts and boxing history there have been some very gnarly cuts, gashes, bruises and other injuries. Today we are going to take a look at some of the very best in swelling (hematoma).
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. Treatment of a hematoma depends upon which organ or body tissue is affected. Superficial hematomas of the skin and soft tissue, such as muscle, may be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Heat may also be considered.
To find out more about Hematoma’s we spoke with Bellator MMA cutman Paul Querido.
“As professional cutmen, we sometimes find our job to be an equal split between preventative and reactionary,” Querido said.
“The reactionary, which is the majority of what is seen, is the 60 seconds we have to deal with the mix of hematoma’s, bruises, lacerations and/or bloody noses.
The Vaseline or “grease” is applied to the fighters eyebrows, nose and cheekbones, prior to entering the ring or cage. This area is commonly called the “mask of the face,” and is the first step to ensuring they are able to stay in the fight longer. The Vaseline is applied to reduce the amount of direct trauma to the skin and blood vessels,” he said.
Quick Reaction
“Once there is swelling, we pull out the tool of our trade, our “endswel.” Each endswell is different. Some are even customized to the user’s hand. This piece of metal is ice cold coming into the ring or cage and is meant to be applied directly to the hematoma. The direct pressure and cold stops the blood vessels from expanding, therefore preventing further damage. Just before leaving the cage or ring, another layer of Vaseline is applied to the hematoma to prevent friction on the wound,” Querido said.
“In short: We are stopping the swelling from becoming a laceration, which could end the fight due to medical call.
Boxing has a slight difference. Boxers are receiving more trauma to the face, and have more rounds to compete in. You’ll see the Cutman apply Vaseline in between rounds-whether he or she has received damage or not.
It simply falls into the unwritten motto: “An ounce of prevention is greater than a pound of rehabilitation.”
Here are a few of the best hematomas in recent boxing and mixed martial arts competition.
