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Alistair Overeem (Getty Images)

WARNING | UFC star's lip explodes in gruesome TKO

*** GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING ***

Cape Town - Suriname's Jairzinho Rozenstruik claimed a shock TKO victory over Dutch star Alister Overeem in the dying seconds of their heavyweight UFC bout on Sunday.

According to the Stuff website, it wasn't so much the upset that made headlines around the world, but rather the devastating injury suffered by Overeem.

With just 11 seconds left on the clock in the fifth and final round, Rozenstruik landed a right hook flush on Overeem's mouth, ripping open his top lip and exposing his teeth underneath.

The exploding action of his lip tearing apart was enough to leave even the most hardened of fight fans wincing as social media went into meltdown.

Unbelievably, Overeem managed to get back to his feet after the blow, but the referee had seen enough, ending the fight by way of TKO with four seconds remaining.

It was an unfortunate turn of events for Overeem who was likely to win the fight on points had it lasted a few more seconds.

The 39-year-old took to Twitter so provide a medical update - and to bemoan what he believed was a fast stoppage.

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* N S F W * Still smiling. (📸: @jeffbottari) #UFCDC