UFC Des Moines event has been altered due to a strange incident at the UFC PI.
Injuries are unfortunately a common occurrence in mixed martial arts. Fighters frequently face physical setbacks, whether it`s an injury sustained during a fight or an ailment occurring in the weeks leading up to it.
However, UFC lightweight fighter Trevor Peek experienced an injury under exceptionally unusual circumstances prior to UFC Des Moines.
Peek was scheduled to compete against Jeong Yeong Lee at UFC Des Moines on May 3rd in a less publicized lightweight match. During the final phase of his training camp, a routine session at the UFC Performance Institute took an unexpected turn, leading to his announcement of withdrawal from the upcoming event.
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Trevor Peek of UFC Fractures Leg Jumping Rope Before UFC Des Moines
In a recent Instagram post, Peek shared the peculiar story behind his withdrawal from UFC Des Moines.
“I actually fractured my leg at the performance institution on Friday,” Peek explained. “It’s not a severe fracture. I still need to get CT scans in the next day or two to determine if there’s any ligament damage or anything similar.”
“I wish I had a more exciting story about how it happened, but I was jump roping on some soft mats. I was alternating legs. I had been jump roping for about 20 minutes and got a bit tired, a little careless, and wasn’t paying attention. I landed with all my weight on my left leg, and it sounded like a shotgun when it popped.” (h/t BJPenn)
Currently, it remains uncertain whether UFC matchmakers will seek a last-minute replacement for Lee at UFC Des Moines. Peek was aiming to return to the win column following consecutive losses to Yanal Ashmouz and Charlie Campbell.
Peek’s injury at the UFC PI is not the only strange occurrence at the promotion’s advanced training center. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka previously dislocated his shoulder at the PI before his team’s unsuccessful attempt to reset it, resulting in a more serious injury than initially assessed.
UFC Des Moines Main Event Winner Could Get Bantamweight Title Shot
UFC Des Moines is headlined by a bantamweight match between Cory Sandhagen and former flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo. The event also marks the return of Bo Nickal, Reinier de Ridder, and other promising fighters.
An impressive victory for Sandhagen or Figueiredo could strongly position them for a title opportunity at UFC Des Moines. UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is set to face Sean O’Malley in a rematch at UFC 316 in June.
Regarding Peek, his return to the Octagon is possible before the year concludes, depending on the seriousness of his injury. Regardless, fighters might become wary of jump roping after Peek’s unusual accident.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley