UFC contender riddled with gruesome staph infection

Any combat sports athlete hopes to avoid staph infection at all costs, but when they don't, they're forced out of competition until they're healed up.

The infection is incredibly contagious and if left untreated, can be life-threatening. Unfortunately for those competing in mixed martial arts, skin-to-skin contact and unwashed wrestling mats are a major reason why staph spreads.

Staph infection cases are not rare among the MMA community, and we now have another one. Despite the staph infection being in its early stages, UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen disclosed just how much it had already begun tearing away at his skin.

Allen shared pictures of himself in what looks like a hospital bed, before later showing blood oozing from a large hole in his upper arm.

'All In' is currently preparing for a main card clash on February 22. The 28-year-old is hoping to return to the winners' circle after falling to defeat against Nassourdine Imavov last time out.

If the fight still goes ahead, Brendan Allen will attempt to cut Anthony Hernandez's six-fight win streak as he pursues another push toward the top of the division.

At this stage, it's unclear if Allen will be cleared to compete—though he should have enough time to heal from his staph infection before his scheduled bout in two months.

Check out the gruesome staph infection images below.