Frankie Edgar, UFC's ace, looks completely different after being kicked in the face by Marlon vera just before brutalKO

FRANKIEEDGAR was unrecognizable after being hit with a vicious front kick by Marlon vera during his defeat at UFC 268.

After being knocked out at Madison Square Garden by his bantamweight opponent, the 40-year old suffered his fourth loss in his five previous bouts within the octagon.

In the third round, Vera hit Edgar with a kick flush to the chin. This sent the American plunging to the ground.

The contest was immediately stopped by the referee, despite former lightweight champions protesting that he should be allowed to continue.

Vera's spectacular finish has been praised by fans who awarded him the Performance of the Night bonus. This was for his highlight reel knockout.

After a photo of Vera connecting with Edgar's face began making the rounds online, social media went into meltdown.

UFC fans were stunned and could be forgiven for not being able to identify the fighter from the snap.

One user tweeted, "How is that a real photo LMAO?"

Another commentator said: "This Frankie Edgar photo from last night may honestly be one the most brutal punchfaces that I've ever seen."

Another added: "This Frankie Edgar photo is worthy of a Nobel Prize for photography!"

One person said, "Crazy how fake that looks but it's real."

Another said, "I can't believe that this picture is real." What's the f ***!"?

Another shocker user said: "It looks so bad it seems shopped. Holy f ***."

After Vera flipped Edgar the bird, tensions were high after the second round.

Vera commented on the incident by saying: "We made eye contact. He gave me a hard look so I was like, "F*** you, what?"

"A legend at the end of each day. I wish him all the best. He is a fighter. Many people believe that we should hug each other and bow to one another.

"Like, no. We are fighting for money. We are not fighting for fun, or a medal. We fight for our families. "I fight to be a world champion."