UFC fans are shocked by what Nikolay Veretennikov did after his defeat to Austin Vanderford.
US debutant Vanderford dominated Veretennikov before claiming a second-round technical knockout at UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle on Saturday.
Vanderford, who took the fight on just four days notice, claimed his 13th win of his MMA career, after the referee stopped the contest at 4mins13 of the second round.
Advert
What followed the 34-year-old’s victory, however, proved to be a bigger subject of conversation than the fight.
Veretennikov, who was unhappy with the stoppage, approached Vanderford and shoved him from behind, prompting security to intervene.
On the incident some fans on X called for the Kazakh fighter to face disciplinary action.
Advert
One person said: “Nikolay Veretennikov landed his biggest shot on Austin Vanderford after the fight lol.”
Another added: “Good way to get fired,” while a third said: “Bro did this as a 12-6 fighter. He’ll be putting the fries in the bag by Monday.”
A fourth person said: “Hopefully the UFC immediately cuts him. You don’t do that s*** after the ref calls it.”
A fifth wrote: “Lowkey wanted Austin to lose but after he won and then the dude tried to fight him again I was like “Let’s go Vanderford!” Lol.
Advert
“Completely changed my opinion of him tbh”
A sixth person said: “There goes his UFC contract lmao. That guy is really pushing it.”
UFC lightweight Renato Moicano had a rather different take to Veretennikov’s lashing out.
“They should let them fight,” he said. “Free entertainment and free money for ufc! UFC is not doing his Homework.”
Advert
Veretennikov won championships with Fury FC and UFL but his transition to the UFC has been marred by setbacks.
Indeed, his fight with Vanderford saw him fall to his second consecutive defeat.
Topics: UFC, MMA, Dana White, Fan Reactions
Chris Byfield