UFC fighter on Damar Hamlin mid-game injury in NFL; sends wishes

UFC middleweight fighter Derek Brunson recently sent out his thoughts and prayers to Damar Hamlin in the wake of the young football star collapsing on the field after suffering a cardiac arrest during the game.

Hamlin, who plays for the Buffalo Bills as a safety, fell to the ground after tackling Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Hamlin seemed to be impacted in the chest by Higgins' helmet, and after initially getting to his feet, he fell on his back. As he remained motionless, paramedics rushed to his side within seconds. His team recently confirmed that he remains in critical condition.

Check out the tweets below:

As the NFL suspended the game, social media was flooded with fans and athletes posting their sympathies and well-wishes for the young player, and Derek Brunson was among them.

The middleweight tweeted his commiseration while pointing out the harsh realities of being a professional athlete. Brunson wrote:

"Crazy seeing the young man Damar Hamlin having to get CPR on the field of a live NFL game. Professional sports has it perks and negatives in which athletes go through on a daily basis that no one sees . Prayers to the young man."

Read the tweet below:

After losing against Jared Cannonier via second-round knockout at UFC 271, Brunson is now scheduled to face Dricus du Plessis at UFC 285 in March after over a year away from the octagon.

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Former UFC lightweight weighs in on the upcoming Derek Brunson vs. Dricus du Plessis bout at UFC 285

WIth Derek Brunson scheduled to face Dricus du Plessis in a middleweight contest at UFC 285, Josh Thomson recently outlined why he believes the No.5-ranked middleweight will emerge victorious against the South African.

After du Plessis' impressive round-three submission victory against Darren Till, it was announced that 'Stillknocks' would face Brunson on March 5.

Despite Brunson coming off a KO loss to Jared Cannonier last year, Thomson believes that the 38-year-old will dominate in his fight against Du Plessis.

On a recent episode of his WEIGHING IN podcast with John McCarthy, Josh Thomson stated:

"If Derek Brunson can get the fight down early, which he will, and doesn't take any big shots in the first round, it's just going to be easier and easier for him to get this fight down... He uses a lot of strength to get the fight to the ground. He's good on top... I think Brunson should dominate this fight though."

Watch the full episode below:

Brunson was on a five-fight win streak before his loss to Cannonier and will be looking to get back in the win column against du Plessis. Meanwhile, the South African will be looking to extend his promotional unbeaten streak.

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