Buentello had to knock Sukoudjou out twice to get the win. Photo: Reproduction
The first obligation of a referee inside a ring during an MMA fight is to protect the physical integrity of the fighters. But apparently, judge Yuji Shimada clearly did not perform his role well during the fight between UFC veterans Paul Buentello and Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou at the Abu Dhabi Warriors event last weekend.
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During the fight, Sokoudjou suffered a barrage of blows and was, almost literally, thrown to the ropes of the ring where the fight was taking place, falling completely without reaction. Despite this, Shimada put the “African Assassin” back on his feet, who was especially notable for his victory over Rogério Minotouro at PRIDE, and continued the fight.
Visibly affected by the knockout suffered, Sokoudjou barely resisted the next attack from Buentello, who suffered the fastest knockout in the history of UFC belt fights for Andrei Arlovski. Sokoudjou ended up being knocked out, this time finally leading to the central referee's intervention, with a counter jab.
This was the 14th defeat of Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou's career, who also has 16 victories in professional MMA. Paul Buentello, now 41 years old, expanded his record to 34 wins and 16 losses, with five victories in his last six fights.
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