Mixed martial arts may be the roughest sport on the planet but its competitors are typically very respectful.
Most fighters make the transition to MMA after learning discipline as kids in traditional martial arts and that’s why we so seldom see bad blood continue after the final bell in professional fights.
However that’s not to say that there is a complete lack of unsporting conduct in MMA, as was made abundantly clear on Friday night.
After the main event of Legacy Fighting Alliance 36 this weekend, fans in the arena were treated to some amateur heavyweight action to close out the evening of terrific fights.
But the clash between Irvins Ayala and Drew Chatman ended in unseemly circumstances.
And then this happened… WTF?!? @LFAfighting #MMA pic.twitter.com/ml8OueDkRQ
— David Clark â“‹ (@wearesuperman) March 24, 2018
Ayala had just knocked himself out by attempting to land a heavy shot to Chatman on the mat and the referee immediately brought a halt to proceedings.
As the official tried to separate the fighters, Chatman jumped to his feet and then stomped on the back of the semi-conscious Ayala before front-flipping on to his prone body.
The outcome of the contest was immediately overturned from a clear Chatman victory to a disqualification due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
Irvins Ayala KO'd himself throwing a hammerfist on the ground, when his chin slammed into Chatman's knee, who was on his back in guard.
Chatman is then DQ'd at 2:39 of Round 1 for jumping on the back of an unconscious Ayala.
Weird Fight.#LFA36
@AXSTVFights @MorongoCasino— LFA (@LFAfighting) March 24, 2018
We bet Chatman will think twice before trying such a disrespectful celebration again.