The Queensberry Rules of boxing were well and truly slung out of the window by highly-touted ONE Championship fighter Idris Abdurashidov last Sunday.
In his professional boxing debut, the Russian pulverized his opponent, Bagher Faraji, with a stunning head kick, sending the Iranian boxer crashing down to the canvas.
Before landing the illegal shot, though, Abdurashidov was seemingly getting comfortably outboxed by Faraji, who remains unbeaten in three fights after claiming the win via a disqualification.
So now, following the shocking incident at the Ali Boxing Club in Phuket, Thailand, fans of both boxing and MMA have joined forces on social media to slam the 21-year-old.
Idris Abdurashidov gloats on social media following his disqualification
Both combatants entered the fourth round of their controversial contest, with Abdurashidov clearly becoming frustrated by his opponent’s superior boxing skills.
And yet, instead of seeing out the remainder of the round – taking his defeat on the chin – the MMA fighter decided to run the risk of inflicting permanent damage on Faraji.
Aside from the obvious dangers involved, Abdurashidov’s vulgar head kick has seemingly tarnished his image in both boxing and MMA.
At best, he will be permanently banned from competing in both sports, while also suffering any legal ramifications attached to his sickening move.
At worst, however, Abdurashidov may be given the opportunity to continue his MMA career, given that the incident, after all, took place in a boxing ring.
But regardless of what comes next, it is clear that the ONE Championship prospect has no remorse for his actions.
Rather, he has taken to social media, boasting about the devastating kick he landed.
On Instagram, he said: “So he [Abdurashidov] debuted in professional boxing. And disqualification for life, this kick with the leg I threw away with a machine gun.”
Fans slam Idris Abdurashidov on social media
As expected, fans were largely up in arms when it came to their reaction to the kick on social media, with most wishing to see Abdurashidov receive more than just a life-long ban.
On X, one fan said: “He should be arrested for assault and battery, and banned from doing any combat sports ever again. That is so low.”
Another fan added: “Absolutely horrible. Should be banned from all sports except Power Slap.”
Someone else said: “Should be criminally charged.”