An awful case of refereeing overshadowed a submission victory in Kazakhstan this past weekend, at a Dala Fighting Championship event in Astana.
During the event, Kazakh bantamweight Zhuman Zhumabekov secured a Von Flue Choke after a powerful slam, seemingly sealing the bout halfway into the first round.
However, the fight continued despite clear signs that Zhumabekov’s opponent, Abhilash Raut, had gone unconscious…
With his eyes rolling back.
Referee Baurzhan Zhumanov, appearing unaware of Raut’s condition, failed to stop the fight.
Instead, Zhumanov urged Zhumabekov to continue working on the ground.
Luckily, Zhumabekov realized what the referee didn’t – and let go of the hold.
Watch the disturbing sequence of events on the video below:
A VON FLUE choke followed by some of the worst reffing you’ve seen in a long time at #DalaFightingChampionship 😳 pic.twitter.com/9wbNllaY8h
— Steven Rae (@stevenrae_) November 2, 2024
Fortunately, Raut eventually regained his composure.
He stood up unaided and joined Zhumabekov in the post-fight ceremony – raising his hand in respect.
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