UFC middleweight Kyle Noke received some welcome good news last week after suffering through one of the most gruesome moments of August 14th's 'UFC on Versus 5' event.
‘The Ultimate Fighter 11' veteran lost his undercard bout that night to fellow ‘TUF' alum Ed Herman, tapping to an inverted heel hook in the final minute of the first round. The massive amount of torque from the submission looked grotesque in real time, and Noke tapped instantly. Upon further replay, the 31-year-old's kneecap appeared to swing away from his actual leg.
Noke was unable to stand immediately after the fight and required heavy assistance to walk out of the Octagon. At the time many voiced concern that the Aussie's knee was irrevocably damaged.
Luckily, that is not the case. Per reports from MMAWeekly.com, Noke visited a physician after the bout, and an MRI scan revealed the damage to only be a grade 2 sprain. According to Noke's manager -- Jahani Curl of Machi Sports & Entertainment -- the fighter is scheduled to begin rehabilitation on the knee Monday and will continue for the next few weeks. He is expected to return to the Octagon before the end of 2011.