Magomed Ankalaev scored a highly controversial victory over Ion Cutelaba as referee Kevin McDonald stopped the contest prematurely at UFC Norfolk.
Ankalaev stopped Cutelaba in just 38 seconds of the very first round after repeatedly tagging him with head-kicks.
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He landed three devastating head-kicks before landing a few nasty strikes which prompted McDonald to intervene and halt the light-heavyweight bout to the displeasure of Cutelaba.
The Moldovan immediately protested the decision and cut a furious figure as he paced around the Octagon.
Needless to say, McDonald's decision to stop the bout between Ankalaev vs. Cutelaba sent social media into overdrive.
One wrote: "It's a bad stoppage and I expect them to run it back immediately.
However, this is a lesson for Cutelaba. If you're gonna play 'possum' expect the ref, as well as your opponent, to believe you!"
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A second tweeted: "On the fence with this. Pretending to be wobbled 3 or 4 times is asking for a referee to intervene. It's the fact he's looking shaky even when not taking shots makes it look bad."
A third added: "That was the worst stoppage UFC history. If you have the power, I don't want to see that ref ever again. Also tell Cutelba to stop walking up to his opponent like that. No need. It's cringy and a safety hazard."
Cutelaba took to social media to tell his fans that he's set to appeal the decision.
"First thing monday morning we will be talking to the comission to make the apeal. Hopefully they see What all fans watching tonight saw and correct this injustice.Thank YOU for your suport," he wrote on Twitter.
The defeat moves Cutelaba to 15-5-(1) in his career as he suffers his fourth UFC defeat.
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Should the result be overturned? Let us know what you think.
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