Featured Image Credit: https://x.com/MichaelBensonn/status/1848669196353192122
Rory O'Callaghan
Russian MMA fighter Idris Abdurashidov is facing a potential lifetime ban after knocking out an opponent with an illegal head kick during his professional boxing debut.
The shocking incident, which took place at the weekend, has gone viral on social media – with fans angered by the brutality of Abdurashidov's kick and his response to the controversy.
Abdurashidov was making his pro boxing debut at Ali Boxing Club in Phuket, Thailand on a ONE Friday Fights card, with the undefeated featherweight MMA fighter taking on Iranian boxer Bagher Faraji.
The Mirror report that Faraji, who held a pro record of 1-3 ahead of the fight, got the better of Abdurashitov and was seconds away from securing a likely win before he was floored by a devastating head kick from the Russian.
In a clip which has circulated on social media, which you can watch below, Faraji was immediately knocked unconscious by the kick.
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The referee instantly waved off the fight before several people jumped into the ring to check on Faraji.
Abdurashidov was automatically disqualified for the illegal move, but later went on to boast about it on social media - even uploading a clip of the incident.
He posted: "So he debuted in professional boxing. And disqualification for life, that kick with the leg I threw was a machine gun!"
Abdurashidov is now facing a lifetime ban from boxing, but fans on social media have called for the Russian to face much harsher punishment.
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"He should be arrested for assault and battery, and banned from doing any combat sports ever again. That is so low," one fan posted on X.
Another added: "You should be banned from competing in all combat sports."
While a third wrote: "You are not a professional athlete, because you have no control over yourself and your legs and hands."
Abdurashidov, 21, is currently 4-0 in professional MMA and competes for ONE Championship.
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It remains to be seen whether any potential ban from boxing will be carried over into his MMA career.