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Philly MMA fighter Sean Brady nearly cracks the Sixers’ Liberty Bell in pregame ritual

Brady, a UFC welterweight, left his mark on the Sixers' longtime tradition.

Sean Brady, of Philadelphia, Pa., participated in the Sixers' bell-ringing ceremony on Monday night.
Sean Brady, of Philadelphia, Pa., participated in the Sixers' bell-ringing ceremony on Monday night.Read moreTYGER WILLIAMS / Staff Photographer

Philly MMA fighter Sean Brady displayed otherworldly strength Monday night when he participated in the 76ers’ bell-ringing ceremony before watching their 120-111 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Brady, a UFC welterweight and black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with a 15-1 record, took a few big whacks at the Liberty Bell replica — not unlike countless other athletes and Philly celebrities have in the past. But Brady’s swing left noticeable damage on the bell that took everyone by surprise.

After jokes surfaced about Brady potentially cracking the Sixers’ Liberty Bell, AP sports writer Dan Gelston provided photo evidence of the fighter’s handiwork. And sure enough, Brady’s big blemish stood out from the other scrapes and scratches.

Gelston added a perfect joke along with the image, calling the bell “day-to-day with a copper contusion.”

Brady’s next UFC fight is scheduled for March 25 against Michel Pereira in San Antonio, Texas.