In a hard-hitting showdown at GLORY Collision 5 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, kickboxer Ulric Bokeme faced more than just defeat. The 32-year-old middleweight not only suffered a TKO loss against Michael Boahpeah but also had his front teeth knocked out during the match on Saturday afternoon, June 17, 2023. It was a tough blow for Bokeme, both literally and figuratively, as he endured the physical and emotional impact of the fight.
Kickboxing Star Ulric Bokeme Suffers Horrific Tooth Knockout at GLORY Collision 5
The middleweight clash between Ulric Bokeme and Michael Boahpeah at GLORY Collision 5 started off with an intense exchange of strikes. As the fight progressed, Bokeme began to show signs of discomfort, signaling to the referee about an issue with his mouthpiece. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that Bokeme had lost several of his front teeth due to the powerful punches delivered by Boahpeah. The unexpected dental damage added another layer of adversity to Bokeme’s already challenging bout.
It was an absolutely brutal sight that took everyone by surprise. The sight of Bokeme missing several teeth from his mouth left fight fans in shock. With no other option, the referee had to intervene and stop the fight. Boahpeah emerged victorious with a first-round TKO, while Bokeme was left grappling with the aftermath, literally searching for his lost teeth on the canvas. To make matters worse, Bokeme revealed to his corner that he had even swallowed a few teeth amidst the devastating defeat. It was a distressing and painful experience for the fighter, both physically and emotionally.
You can witness the dramatic final moments of the fight in the footage below:
TKO – FRONT TEETH KNOCKED OUT 😱
Michael Boapeah wins in unique fashion at #COLLISION5 pic.twitter.com/z5WVWFY3K8
— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) June 17, 2023
Brutal start to the main card.
Ulric Bokeme just got his front row of teeth knocked out against Michael Boapeah. He told his corner he couldn't continue because some went down his throat. #COLLISION5 pic.twitter.com/Kqc4JGY6Ck
— Beyond Kickboxing (@Beyond_Kick) June 17, 2023
Throughout the years, we’ve witnessed some truly gruesome teeth injuries in combat sports. One memorable example is Anthony Smith’s tough TKO defeat against Glover Teixeira, where he actually handed his teeth to the referee during the fight. However, the aftermath of Bokeme’s mouth on Saturday at GLORY Collision 5 might just top them all. The sight of his missing teeth was quite unsettling, leaving fight fans astonished and cringing. It serves as a stark reminder of the brutal nature of the sport and the sacrifices fighters make inside the ring.
It seems like we’re witnessing a concerning trend of mouthguard mishaps in combat sports. Just this past April, Luke Rockhold faced a similar fate during his fight with Mike Perry at BKFC 41. These incidents highlight the importance of proper mouthguard usage and the potential risks fighters face in the heat of battle. It’s a reminder that even with all the preparation and protective gear, unexpected events can still occur inside the ring.
