Fans Are Not Happy With Idris Abdurashidov’s Punishment for Head-Kicking Opponent in Boxing Match

A wrong is a wrong, no matter how hard you try to correct it. That’s what many felt as they came across a boxing match that ended in the most disastrous manner. The bout in Thailand between the Russian MMA fighter Idris Abdurashidov and Iranian Bagher Faraji turned into a worst-case scenario when, instead of using his hands, the former decided to use a kick to close the matter.

Subsequent reports suggested that the authorities might have banned him from boxing ‘for life’. The 21-year-old Russian, an unbeaten fighter, won all his mixed martial arts bouts (4-0) through deadly knockouts. As the news of his ban gained traction across social media, some of the fans suggested stronger punitive measures.

Most Unbecoming of a Fighter

The fight between Idris Abdurashidov and Bagher Faraji took place at Ali Boxing Club. Per available sources, it was increasingly becoming clear that the Iranian boxer had been gradually gaining ground. However, things turned upside down during the fourth and final round of the fight.

Someone finally did it!!!
byu/Osiris2022- inufc

Probably he felt that the fight was slipping out of his hands. However, as the round neared its end, instead of a punch, Abdurashidov threw a powerful roundhouse kick that landed on Faraji’s head, knocking him down immediately. The Russian MMA fighter consequently faced disqualification.

“So he [I] debuted in professional boxing, and disqualification for life, this kick with the leg I threw away with a machine gun!” Read the Russian-English translation of his Instagram post. According to a piece shared by The Independent, Idris Abdurashidov apparently claimed that authorities have imposed a lifetime ban on him.

The Fine Line of Combat

Nevertheless, many fans didn’t seem too pleased with the decision. Let’s check what a few of them had to say.

Calling out Idris Abdurashidov’s move ‘cowardly’, this fan didn’t appear happy when they came across a few users lauding the Russian MMA fighter on social media. They said, “Dude, why did I see so many people saying this was bada** on Twitter? It’s a cowardly move that caused brain damage.”

Echoing similar sentiments, the next fan too felt that it was a spineless move from Abdurashidov. Given how the kick caught Faraji completely off guard, the fan expressed concerns that the kick might have caused a serious injury. “Pretty cowardly, actually. Don’t sign up for a boxing bout and then resort to this sh*t. Boxer was clearly not anticipating a head kick that could have given the guy brain damage.”

Although not a keen boxing follower, the following fan too agreed that Abdurashidov’s actions were unacceptable. Taking a tough stand, they opined that the Russian fighter’s ban should be expanded to all sporting activities. “I think boxing is the least interesting combat sport, but I completely agree. Pieces of sh*t should be banned from competing professionally in any sport,” this fan said.

The next user appears to have some amateur experience in combat sports. They felt that, as a professional athlete, Abdurashidov should have exercised better self-control, even when things were not going his way. This is what the user said: “IDK, you’re supposed to be more well trained than that. I did amateur boxing and wrestling at the same time, and, no matter how tired, I never crossed the two. I’d expect a hell of a lot more from a professional.”

However, this follower argued that banning Abdurashidov from just boxing alone would barely have any impact. Considering that he is a mixed martial artist, the action should extend to all the disciplines in the combat world. The whole controversy might have given him more publicity, they felt. “The problem is he’s an MMA guy; banning him from boxing after his debut isn’t going to hurt as much as banning him from all combat sports would. He’s actually gained exposure for his future fights because of this,” the follower said.

Abdurashidov subsequently came up with another post. It showed him shaking hands with Bagher Faraji. “We shook hands between us; everything is fine; we made up,” his message read.

However, the incident nevertheless calls for fighters to step in with greater discipline. Per the available information, Idris Abdurashidov competes in the ONE Championship. For now, it’s too early to say whether the foul kick affects his career in MMA negatively or not.

Based on the reactions shared, what is your take on the action taken against Idris Abdurashidov?