While the spotlight this past weekend was on the “BMF” title fight between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira at UFC 326, another chaotic moment in combat sports unfolded in Poland — this time involving the referee.
At a First Step Championship event in Koluszki, referee Daniel Matuszek found himself on the receiving end of several punches while attempting to separate two fighters at the end of a round.
The bout featured Mariusz Skrzypa facing Kamil Gajewski in a modified kickboxing contest.
Both competitors were trading heavy shots throughout the fight, creating an intense atmosphere inside the ring.
As the round came to a close, Matuszek stepped in to break up the action between the two fighters.
However, the momentum of the exchange carried forward.
During the separation, Gajewski threw a left hook that accidentally connected with the referee.
A follow-up right hand then struck Matuszek in the back of the head as the fighters continued their motion.
The unexpected blows left the referee visibly frustrated after the incident, though he quickly regained control of the situation and the fight continued.
Despite the unusual moment, the bout ultimately went the distance.
Skrzypa secured the victory by decision after the judges scored the contest in his favor.
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