A recent study has revealed some startling findings about the hygiene practices of MMA athletes, specifically focusing on the fingernails of Ciryl Gane. The research, commissioned by Stake, found that Gane's fingernails may have been '10 times dirtier than average toilet seats' during his training sessions. This is based on laboratory swabs taken from athletes after one hour of training, which included grappling and striking drills. The study detected bacteria resembling Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus, along with traces of fecal bacteria and E. coli-type bacteria, drawn from sweaty mats and shared equipment. Wearing MMA gloves contributed to yeast and mold growth under the nails, creating a 'mini petri dish on each finger'. These findings are particularly concerning given the potential health risks associated with dirty fingernails, especially in the context of eye gouging. Tom Aspinall, a fellow MMA fighter, recently accused Gane of having 'disgusting fingernails' and suffered a debilitating eye poke in their match, which has left him unable to compete and without a return date. The study highlights the importance of proper hygiene in combat sports, where the eyes are extremely vulnerable to injury. Aspinall's experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of eye gouging and the need for athletes to maintain high levels of cleanliness to prevent serious harm to themselves and their opponents.
