P. Yan (right) and A. Sterling (left) touch gloves before fighting at UFC 259. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Inserted in one of the most important fights in the UFC 294, Johnny Walker experienced a disappointing episode in the biggest challenge of his professional MMA career. Victim of an illegal knee right at the beginning of the confrontation against Magomed Ankalayev, the Brazilian saw his dream of fighting for the light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg) disappear after a 'blunder' from the medical team. After a controversial and hasty interruption, the clash ended in 'I didn't answer'.
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The case involving Walker is not isolated within Ultimate. O SUPER FIGHTS, then, recalls moments when challenges had their outcomes influenced by illegal knees.
1) Petr Yan vs Aljamain Sterling
A. Sterling (left) is announced the winner after the disqualification of P Yan (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Probably, the episode involving the rooster belt (up to 61,2 kg.) is the most emblematic case with regard to such an infraction. The year was 2021 and the then Russian champion was looking to defend his title against the North American.
Everything was going well for the title holder to keep the throne, until the tragic moment for Yan and his fans. In the fourth round, after controlling much of the fight, the Russian ended up hitting his opponent with an illegal clean knee to the head. Immediately, Sterling charged the action.
Considering the blow to be intentional, Petr ended up disqualified and had his belt taken away.
2) Michel Pereira against Diego Sanchez
D. Sanchez (left) after victory over M. Pereira (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @diegonightmaresanchezufc
In 2020, Michael Pereira was looking to recover from the first defeat suffered since his UFC debut. Ahead, the 'Paraense Voador' had the veteran Diego Sanchez. With a confident and aggressive performance, the Brazilian took no notice of his opponent and was on track for an easy victory in his career.
In the last round, however, the Tupiniquim ended up throwing an illegal knee, which forced the fight to be temporarily stopped. Unable to continue the fight, Sanchez enforced the rule and withdrew from the commitment, being declared the winner due to his opponent's disqualification.
3) Greg Hardy vs. Allen Crowder
G. Hardy was a promising UFC heavyweight. Photo: Reproduction/Intagram @greghardyjr
Surrounded by expectations and controversies, Greg hardy caused in his UFC debut. A former heavyweight prospect (up to 120,2kg), the former NFL player arrived at Ultimate with a history of domestic violence and tried to clean up his image among sports fans.
In his debut in 2019, however, the athlete ended up being punished in the confrontation against Allen Crowder. With an illegal knee, the North American knocked out his rival and ended up disqualified afterwards.
4) Luiz Cané x James Irvin
Luiz Cané working in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Like Hardy, Brazilian Luiz Cané had an anticlimactic UFC debut. In 2007, the athlete debuted for the company against James Irvin.
The challenge, however, ended up lasting less than two minutes. In the first round, the Tupiniquim ended up hitting his opponent with an illegal knee and ended up being disqualified.
5) Rodrigo Kazula vs. Brok Weaver
Rodrigo vargas in presentation at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In 2020, Rodrigo Kazula completed his second challenge with Ultimate gloves and was looking for his first triumph in the company. The fighter, however, had his positive result delayed after injuring his opponent with an illegal knee at the end of the opening round.
As a result of this action, the Mexican ended up disqualified.
6) Maximo Blanco against Akira Corassani
Maximo Blanco (left) in a UFC fight. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
In the 2013 season, Maximo Blanco committed the infraction that sent Akira Corassani straight to the hospital. With just 25 seconds of confrontation, the combatant hit his opponent with an illegal knee and received disqualification.
When treating Corassani, it was found that the athlete suffered five fractures in the nasal region.
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