WATCH: UFC Strawweight Carla Esparza Suffers a Nasty Cut on Her Eye in Her Grappling Match Against Danielle Kelly

Fury Pro grappling 3 saw UFC Strawweight title contender Carla Esparza taking on Danielle Kelly. Danielle Kelly is a high-level Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner who trains out of Silver Fox BJJ. She has a record of 8 wins and 5 losses. Kelly holds the record for quickest submission in WNO history against Jessica Crane whom she submitted via heel hook earlier in the year in a FloGrappling tournament. 

Fury Pro 3 was originally supposed to be headlined by the strawweight champion Rose Namajunas vs Danielle Kelly. However, it did not take place as Namajunas had to pull out of the contest due to an injury. Her next opponent for the 115 lbs UFC title, Carla Esparza stepped up on short notice. 

The card also featured notable UFC stars such as Kevin Holland, Sean Brady, Craig Jones, Chase Hooper, Donald Cerrone and Neil Magny. Fury Pro 3 was a grappling contest where fighters and grapplers from various fields tested their skills against others. 

Carla Esparza Stuffers a Nasty Cut on Her Eyelid

The under-card delivered plenty of entertainment throughout the night. However, the main event ended prematurely as Esparza suffered a nasty cut above her right eyelid. She went for a slam and the momentum of the move made her head bump off Danielle’s cheekbone. The severity of the collision busted open the wound and ended the contest. 

Danielle Kelly wins by Doctor Stoppage.

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UFC president Dana White confirmed earlier that Carla would face Rose Namajunas next. It will be interesting to see whether this injury has any impact on that or not. If the cut does not heal in time then UFC has a few options. They might book the trilogy fight between Rose and Weili Zhang. Otherwise, another Rose Namajunas vs Joanna Jędrzejczyk fight can also be on the cards due to the former champion’s star power.

Other than the anti-climactic main event, Fury Pro 3 was a pretty enjoyable card throughout. Kevin Holland had a pretty entertaining bout with Kody Hemrah despite losing. Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone was defeated by Joe Solecki via RNC (Rear Naked Choke). Grappling specialist Craig Jones also lost to Sean Brady via judges’ decision.