# What happened to Robbie Lawler's nose during his fighting career?

Natalie Fletcher · August 4, 2026

> Robbie Lawler, during his fighting career, developed a noticeably flattened and broad nose, a common trait among professional fighters due to repeated...

Robbie Lawler, during his fighting career, developed a noticeably flattened and broad nose, a common trait among professional fighters due to repeated impact from punches and kicks.

The human nose is made up of bone and cartilage, and the soft tissue that surrounds it is susceptible to blunt force trauma, which can lead to fractures, bruising, and deformities from repeated injuries.

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In combat sports like MMA, the nose is often one of the first areas to sustain damage.

This is because it protrudes from the face, making it a target for punches and elbows.

Lawler's split nose and facial injuries are characteristic of a phenomenon known as "rhinoplasty by trauma," where the nose is reshaped due to repeated impact over time rather than through surgical intervention.

The fight between Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald at UFC 189 is one of the bloodiest in MMA history, showcasing the extent and severity of their injuries, particularly MacDonald's broken nose.

Rory MacDonald's nose was severely damaged during this match, administered by a left hook from Lawler.

This specific punch caused a break and greatly exacerbated existing injuries.

X-rays taken after UFC 189 revealed significant fractures in MacDonald’s nasal structure, highlighting the vulnerability of the sinus areas during high-impact strikes.

Research shows that repeated traumas to the nose can result in a condition called "nasal bone dislocation," where the nasal bones are displaced, potentially leading to chronic breathing issues or aesthetic changes.

Robbery Lawler's nose, despite showing the effects of fighting, has a similar condition to many fighters known as “dish face,” which describes the broad and flat appearance often resulting from repeated fractures and healing processes.

The healing process of nasal injuries often results in scarring and remolding of the cartilage, which can lead to permanent changes in appearance even after the initial fractures have healed.

The fight’s intense and prolonged nature (lasting until the fifth round) made injury accumulation more likely, as fighters tend to absorb more damage than in shorter bouts.

Following severe nasal injuries, fighters often face long-term changes to their respiratory function, as the structural integrity of the nose can significantly affect airflow.

Fractured noses can also lead to increased susceptibility to subsequent injuries, meaning that once a fighter has sustained a break, their likelihood of future breaks increases significantly.

Both Lawler and MacDonald endured significant blood loss during their fight, underscoring that nasal injuries can lead to both external bleeding and internal hemorrhaging.

The recovery time for nasal fractures can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the injury, the fighter’s overall health, and the nature of medical intervention if required.

Surgical intervention for broken noses, known as closed reduction, is common among fighters aiming to restore function and appearance, though this does not guarantee that future injuries won’t occur.

Some fighters choose to wear protective facemasks or headgear during training to minimize nose injuries, but the efficacy of these devices can be limited.

The biomechanics involved in a punch can generate a tremendous amount of force focused on a small area, making a fighter's nose particularly vulnerable to significant trauma.

There are studies suggesting a twofold increase in the risk of fractures in fighters' noses due to the unique angle of strikes used in mixed martial arts compared to other sports.

The social and psychological impacts of these injuries can be profound for fighters, as they contend not only with physical pain but also with changes to their appearance and identity as athletes in a highly visual sport.

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