MMA is renowned for being controversial, especially considering the sport’s wild array of techniques and personalities. However, sometimes, fighters do take it too far.
We’ve seen it all in terms of disrespectful moments in fights: Hitting an unconscious opponent after the bell is all too common but understandable; showboating is fair game; hitting an opponent after the bell is technically assault. How about inappropriate assault mid-fight?
Controversially, Israel Adesanya humped Paulo Costa after defeating him by TKO at UFC 253. Another incident features UFC heavyweight Don’Tale Mayes, who competes at UFC Vegas 102 against Johnny Walker’s brother, Valter Walker.
Here’s what happened.
Don’Tale Mayes tried to hurt UFC opponent with hip strikes
Mayes came up against fellow heavyweight Josh Parisian at UFC Vegas 45 in December 2021. ‘Lord Kong’ worked Parisian from range, eventually getting him against the cage and taking him down. Mayes showed some proficiency in side control, and round one was in the books.
The fight would take a bizarre turn in round two, where Mayes assumed top control in the North-South position and tried using the fulcrum of his groin guard to hurt his opponent underneath, essentially thrusting in Parisian’s face.
Fortunately for Parisian, the horn sounded, and he wasn’t subject to more punishment – or worse – TKO’d by prolonged hip strikes.
“What is this?” Commentator Brendan Fitzgerald remarked.
“It’s unique, creative striking,” Bisping jested. “The hip bone, to the head bone.”
“Happy holidays!” Fitzgerald was astonished.
Mayes defeated Parisian in the third round by way of elbows from the crucifix position. He makes his 11th UFC appearance at UFC Vegas 102 on February 15, where he takes on Walker.
UFC Vegas 102 full fight card
UFC Vegas 102’s full fight card is as follows, subject to change:
- Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues; Middleweight main event
- Calvin Kattar vs. Youssef Zalal; Lightweight
- Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Dylan Budka; Middleweight
- Ismael Bonfim vs. Nazim Sadykhov; Lightweight
- Rodolfo Vieira vs. Andre Petroski; Middleweight
- Jose Delgado vs. Connor Matthews; Featherweight
- Angela Hill vs. Ketlen Souza; Women’s Strawweight
- Rafael Estevam vs. Jesus Aguilar; Flyweight
- Gabriel Bonfim vs. Khaos Williams; Welterweight
- Vince Morales vs. Elijah Smith; Bantamweight
- Valter Walker vs. Don’Tale Mayes; Heavyweight
- Julia Avila vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti; Women’s Bantamweight