Ramiz Brahimaj’s debut at UFC Vegas 13 was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. But what has followed in the years since has been a testament to his character and resilience
As he enters the Octagon again at UFC Vegas 107, the curiosity about his ear may linger — but the real story is the man behind the injury.
From horror to heroism, Brahimaj has weathered the storm and shown that no amount of physical damage can deter a true fighter.
As fans tune in to watch his next chapter unfold, they’ll see not just a comeback — but a redefinition of toughness and perseverance in MMA.
What happened to Ramiz Brahimaj’s ear was one of the most grotesque and memorable injuries in UFC history. But more importantly, it has become a symbol of his resilience.
While fans may never forget the image of his ear hanging by a thread, they’ll also remember how he came back stronger, more determined, and more composed.
In the brutal world of MMA, where fighters are judged by heart as much as skill, Ramiz Brahimaj’s story is one worth celebrating—and far from over.
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Table of Contents
Ramiz Brahimaj’s Gruesome UFC Debut
The Shock Heard Around the Octagon
When Ramiz Brahimaj made his UFC debut at UFC Vegas 13 in November 2020, it wasn’t the result of the fight that stole headlines — it was his ear.1
Facing Max Griffin, a seasoned veteran, Brahimaj hoped to make a strong first impression.
Instead, his promotional debut became infamous for one of the most disturbing injuries ever witnessed in the UFC. What followed was a wave of shock, curiosity, and discussion that still lingers years later.
Not Just a Defeat — A Scene Straight from a Horror Film
In the third round of the fight, Griffin landed a hard elbow during a clinch exchange. This was no ordinary shot — the elbow struck Brahimaj directly in the ear, causing a horrific laceration.
His ear was partially detached and visibly hanging, prompting an immediate stoppage by referee Mark Smith.
The moment was graphic enough to cause visceral reactions from viewers, commentators, and even fellow fighters.
Joe Rogan wasn’t calling that night, but it was the kind of moment that would’ve had him recoiling.
Brahimaj’s ear was not just bleeding — it was severely mangled, enough that it’s since become one of the most referenced injuries in modern UFC history.
Young Shqipe. Huge congratulations Bernardo 🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱
— Ramiz Brahimaj (@170Ramiz) January 19, 2025
Medical Emergency: A Rare Stoppage Due to an Ear Injury
While cuts and bruises are part and parcel of MMA, stoppages due to ear injuries are rare.
Fighters with “cauliflower ear” — a result of repeated trauma — are known to have vulnerable ears, but it’s uncommon for one to be nearly torn off mid-fight. The doctor’s stoppage in Brahimaj’s case was justified and necessary.
The damage was so extensive that he required immediate medical attention and stitches. He was transported to a local hospital, where his ear was surgically repaired.
What made the situation worse is that the injury seemed to have been aggravated over time, with the final blow essentially ripping it open.
The Role of Cauliflower Ear in the Injury
Brahimaj, like many fighters and wrestlers, had cauliflower ear, a condition caused by repeated trauma to the ear’s cartilage. Over time, the ear becomes swollen, hardened, and more prone to tearing.
While some fighters choose to have the condition drained or even undergo cosmetic surgery to correct it, others wear it like a badge of honor.
Unfortunately for Brahimaj, his cauliflower ear made him more susceptible to catastrophic damage. Griffin’s elbow was precise and powerful — a lethal combination for an already fragile area.
Ramiz Brahimaj: Social Media Reaction
As soon as the fight ended, social media exploded with clips and images of Brahimaj’s ear. The reaction was a mix of concern, shock, and disbelief.2
Memes were made, reactions were posted, and the UFC itself replayed the incident on their platforms, further fueling the discussion.
This moment, while grim, turned Brahimaj into an overnight talking point. Despite the loss, fans and analysts were suddenly invested in his future, curious to see how he would respond to such a traumatic moment.
Fighter Reaction: Support from the MMA Community
One of the more heartening aspects following the injury was the support Brahimaj received from his peers.
Fighters across the UFC and other promotions sent messages of encouragement, understanding the physical and psychological toll such an injury can have. Some even shared their own horror stories to let Brahimaj know he wasn’t alone.
Max Griffin, too, showed respect in victory. He acknowledged the injury with professionalism, offering well-wishes and making it clear that while the sport is violent, the respect among competitors remains strong.
Comeback and Redemption: Brahimaj’s Grit
After several months of recovery, Brahimaj returned to the cage. Though the injury would always be a part of his narrative, it never defined his fighting spirit.
In his next outing, he defeated Sasha Palatnikov via rear-naked choke in the first round, sending a clear message: he was not broken.
This victory was more than just a number in the win column — it was a statement of resilience. Brahimaj had not only healed physically but had shown the mental toughness to overcome one of the worst injuries in UFC history.
Ramiz Brahimaj: UFC Vegas 107 vs. Billy Ray Goff
Now, as he prepares for his upcoming bout at UFC Vegas 107 against Billy Ray Goff, fans and media alike are once again focused on his ear.3
It’s only natural, given the notoriety of the incident. Will it hold up under pressure? Has he taken extra precautions? These are the questions swirling around his fight week.
While it’s understandable that fans are curious, it’s also worth noting that Brahimaj has moved on.
He has trained, evolved, and is ready to focus on the task at hand: beating Billy Ray Goff and continuing his ascent in the welterweight division.
Psychological Recovery: More Than Just Physical Healing
The physical damage to Brahimaj’s ear was severe, but many overlook the psychological hurdles that come with such a traumatic event.
Getting back in the cage after suffering such an injury takes immense mental fortitude. Every clinch, every elbow thrown by an opponent carries the memory of what happened.
But Brahimaj’s return and continued competition suggest that he has overcome those mental blocks. His mindset has been one of growth, discipline, and fearlessness, the traits that separate average fighters from true warriors.
From Sympathy to Respect
When the ear injury happened, many fans initially responded with shock and sympathy. Over time, however, that narrative evolved into one of respect.
Brahimaj didn’t let the incident ruin his career or define his legacy. He embraced it, spoke candidly about it in interviews, and used the attention to inspire others.
Now, he’s seen as one of the toughest welterweights on the UFC roster — not because he got hurt, but because he came back stronger.
Brahimaj’s opponent, Billy Ray Goff, isn’t just a backdrop for this comeback story. Goff is a solid prospect with finishing ability and grit. Brahimaj will need more than toughness to win — he’ll need a smart game plan, strong defense, and the ability to dictate the pace.
But perhaps more importantly, he’ll need to show that the narrative has shifted — that his ear is no longer the story, but rather his skills, determination, and potential as a rising welterweight.
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Ramiz Brahimaj: Submission Specialist Emerges
Before entering the bright lights of the UFC, Ramiz Brahimaj had already carved out a fearsome reputation as a submission artist.
With a professional record of 8 wins and only 2 losses, every single victory had come via submission—proof of his grappling pedigree and killer instinct on the ground.
Competing primarily in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) and other regional promotions, Brahimaj had showcased slick jiu-jitsu, positional control, and fight-ending technique.
Yet, the leap from the regional circuit to the UFC is not just a test of talent; it’s a leap in intensity, competition, and durability. The fighters in the UFC are stronger, faster, and more well-rounded. For Brahimaj, that harsh reality came crashing down in 2020.
UFC Vegas 13: A Brutal Baptism by Fire
Ramiz Brahimaj’s UFC debut took place at UFC Vegas 13 against the seasoned Max Griffin. Griffin, known for his toughness and striking acumen, was expected to test the newcomer. And test him, he did.
From the opening round, it was evident that this was no easy introduction. While Brahimaj held his own early, Griffin gradually took over, especially in the striking exchanges. As the bout wore on into the third round, Griffin’s pressure intensified.
It was in that fateful final frame that the fight would take a gruesome turn—one that etched itself into UFC folklore.
The Devastating Elbow That Changed Everything
With both fighters grappling in the clinch near the fence, Max Griffin found just enough space to unleash a perfectly timed and thunderous right elbow. The impact was immediate and shocking.
Brahimaj began to bleed heavily, prompting concern. But it wasn’t just a typical cut or swelling.
His right ear had been partially detached, nearly torn off his head. The gruesome nature of the injury made it instantly clear to everyone watching—this fight could not continue.
The referee, recognizing the seriousness of the injury, stopped the contest immediately. The broadcast cameras caught a stunned Max Griffin, seemingly apologetic and shocked at the result of his strike.
One of the UFC’s Most Graphic Injuries
Brahimaj’s ear injury joined a disturbing list of the most graphic and memorable injuries in UFC history.
It wasn’t just the blood—it was the fact that the ear looked as if it had been surgically removed, dangling by what seemed to be a thin strand of flesh.
The visual was unsettling enough that many social media users and fight fans issued NSFW warnings before sharing replays or images. Some compared it to other famous injuries, including:
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Alistair Overeem’s lip being torn open by Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
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Belal Muhammad’s facial injuries from his five-round war against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315.
MMA is a brutal sport by nature, but instances like these serve as sobering reminders of what fighters risk every time they step into the Octagon.
Ramiz Brahimaj‘s Composure and Courage
Despite the trauma and pain, Ramiz Brahimaj handled the situation with commendable composure.
Instead of panicking, he checked on his ear, spoke to officials calmly, and accepted the result without protest. This maturity, especially during such a painful moment, earned him the respect of many fans and fellow fighters.
Shortly after the bout, Brahimaj issued a heartfelt statement, thanking fans for their support and promising to come back stronger. He also underwent surgery to repair the torn ear and was forced to spend months recovering.
The Road to Recovery: Healing and Hope
The physical toll was obvious—Brahimaj had to deal with reconstructive surgery and weeks of recovery. But the mental aspect of such an injury can often be more daunting.
Fighters pride themselves on being tough and invincible, and such a high-profile injury could lead to doubt, hesitation, or even fear of recurrence.
Still, Brahimaj showed remarkable resilience. In the months following his injury, he returned to training, retooled his skills, and focused on making a comeback. His fans rallied behind him, praising his toughness and hoping he’d return to winning ways.
Brahimaj: Sponsorship
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The Comeback Trail: Victory Over Mickey Gall
In 2024, Brahimaj began to rebuild his UFC career. One of the highlights of his resurgence came at UFC 309, where he faced off against Mickey Gall—a well-known name in the welterweight division with wins over CM Punk and Sage Northcutt.
It was a pivotal fight, and Brahimaj didn’t disappoint. Displaying his trademark grappling dominance, he neutralized Gall’s offense and submitted him in convincing fashion.
It was his first win in the UFC and an emotional milestone—proof that he still belonged on MMA’s biggest stage.
UFC Vegas 107: A New Chapter Begins
Now, in 2025, Ramiz Brahimaj is set to fight once again, this time against Billy Ray Goff at UFC Vegas 107.
For Brahimaj, this bout represents more than just a chance at another win. It’s a moment of redemption, a symbol of the journey from trauma back to triumph.
If he wins, it will mark his first winning streak in the UFC—a sign that he’s not just surviving, but thriving.
Goff, however, is no pushover. A tough and gritty fighter, he’s expected to bring pressure and test Brahimaj’s improved skills.
Yet, having already endured one of the worst injuries in UFC history, there’s little that could faze the now battle-hardened Brahimaj.
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