Fighter pretends to touch gloves and erases rival

Controversial incident occurred at an MMA event held in China

João Vitor Xavier

09/01/2017 | 16:03

Khalilov knocks out Barotov in China PHOTO: Reproduction

See too

Sonnen diminishes Ronda as an actress and says: 'She will no longer be champion'

UFC 207 surpasses 1 million mark on pay-per-view

There was a lack of fair play in the fight between Ibragim Khalilov and Bakhtiyar Barotov, valid for WBK 22, a Chinese event, held last Saturday (7). Khalilov managed to win by knockout, but at the expense of a maneuver that was, to say the least, debatable.

The winner made a move to touch gloves with Barotov, who lowered his guard and took a straight right that knocked him out instantly. The fight lasted just three seconds. Ibragim Khalilov didn't seem to mind his action and did a somersault in the air to celebrate his victory.

PUBLICITY:

Although reprehensible, Khalilov's gesture is not illegal. This is because MMA rules do not provide for there to be any type of pause in the action to touch gloves.