On February 4th, Tyler Meadows defeated Dylan Carpenter via TKO at Impact Fight League 68, which was being held at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena. Immediately after the fight Meadows leaped out of the cage and into the crowd, leading to an incident which may cost the 3-1 amateur fighter his MMA license.
In footage obtained by FOX 2 Detroit, Meadows can be seen jumping over the cage fence and then hopping off the apron into the lap of a cage side spectator. FOX 2 spoke to Meadows about the incident.
“There was an overwhelming feeling of adrenaline in there,” said the Dearborn Heights based fighter.
Meadows told FOX 2 that the man he landed on was a fellow mixed martial artist.
“I talked to him. I said I was going to take his head off. It’s just a competitive thing.”
Quickly after Meadows said this, the man he was sitting on charged forwards and a melee ensued.
During the fracas a 12-year-old bystander was hurt, according to Meadows. According to FOX 2, the state of Michigan’s licensing body reported that multiple people were injured in the incident and that a minor required medical attention.
After the scuffle was broken up, Meadows went backstage to the dressing rooms. Police officers met him there and escorted him from the building. Michigan have since told Meadows to cease and desist any amateur fighting in the state. Meadows was also placed on a national suspension list.
Meadows has apologized publicly for the incident.
“That was never meant to happen,” he said. “I go there to inspire people. I have a three-month-old daughter. I’m not there to hurt people in the crowd or make people think bad of me.”
You can watch FOX 2’s news story, including footage of the actual incident, below: