Fight fans tuned in to LFA 239 on Friday night (Aug. 22, 2026) in hopes of some memorable MMA action, but instead they ended up witnessing one of the worst cases of staph infection to ever enter the cage.
Friday’s LFA 239 event in Ventura, Calif., was headlined by a featherweight clash between Chris Mecate and Manuel Exposito. The fight itself was an entertaining back-and-forth that saw Mecate walk away with the unanimous decision win, but that’s not what fans will remember the most. It will be the apparent
staph infection that made Mecate’s back look like it was about to pop.
While fight fans have seen some gnarly staph infections over the years it’s usually not big enough to make a noticeable difference. That was not the case on Friday as Mecate’s alleged staph infection took up a whole portion of his back. Making matters worse is that Exposito kept making contact with it. It’s hard not to throughout 15 minutes of fighting, but still a gross scene to say the least.
Check it out below:
Of course, fight fans were quick to notice the main event gross fest and quickly took to social media to discuss. Not only were they disgusted by the actual ailment, but many called out the California State Athletic Commission for allowing Mecate to compete in the first place.
Check out some of the comments below:
“I’m genuinely disgusted I cannot even pay attention to the fight.”
“How was he even aloud to fight.”
“I thought it was a tattoo.”
“He definitely infected like 5 fighters minimum with that sh-t.”
“Whoever’s the medical that cleared him to fight should lose their job tomorrow.”
“That is disgusting.”
“What fucking doctor cleared him. That shit is grotesque.”
