MMA is undoubtedly a brutal sport, with fighters often suffering deep cuts and severe injuries. Fans have witnessed some gruesome moments, like former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor breaking his ankle against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. However, no one really expects the danger to extend to referees. Recently, an MMA fighter accidentally knocked out the referee, grabbing the attention of fans.
Scott Manhardt officiated the 2022 MMA Super Cup semi-final between Team Ireland and Team Mexico, but things took an unexpected turn. The fight between Ireland’s Lewis Byrne and Mexico’s Luis Gonzalez was action-packed, with momentum swinging back and forth. As the second round ended, Gonzalez went for a flashy rolling thunder kick, but instead of hitting Byrne, he accidentally caught Manhardt in the head, dropping him hard. Fans had a field day with the moment, with one joking, “The ref wasn’t expecting to be on this dude’s highlight reel.”
The ref wasn't expectin to be on this dude's highlight reel.
— Brax Moore (@brax_moore_more) February 4, 2025
One fan suggested that the fighters should have helped the referee up.
😭😭😭 Atleast help him up .
— MR. DELUSIONAL (@FUKINAMIN500215) February 4, 2025
Another fan described it as an “Oops” moment.
oops
— MAGA MMA (@BeastyCopt) February 4, 2025
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One fan humorously called it a “quick stoppage.”
Quick stoppage.
— Fight Junkie ® (@FightJunkieCom) February 4, 2025
The ref caught a stray😭😭
— Narumango X (@NarumangoX) February 4, 2025
Damn pic.twitter.com/1ywjDUxcUt
— JP Valdes (@jpvaldes) February 4, 2025
Wrong place wrong time
— Thirty3Three3 🔴 (@Hanyewhock) February 4, 2025
Russian MMA Face-Off Ends In Shocking Submission
Face-offs in MMA and boxing are always packed with anticipation, and sometimes, they lead to unexpected moments. Recently, Hardcore Fighting Championship (HFC), a Russian MMA promotion known for its wild moments, delivered a viral spectacle that had fans laughing. In a post-fight staredown, the victorious fighter in red trunks squared off with a potential future opponent.
Face-Off ends in submission and fight 👀 pic.twitter.com/zAe8xqiuxS
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) January 4, 2025
What started as a tense face-off quickly escalated when the fighter attempted a double-leg takedown, only to be caught in a guillotine choke and rendered unconscious. The chaos eventually required others to step in and separate the fighters. These shocking and viral moments only add to the growing buzz surrounding MMA.
Also Read: Joe Rogan Shares His Worries About Terence Crawford Facing Canelo Alvarez
