Idris Abdurashidov Faces Lifetime Boxing Ban After Controversial Head Kick in Debut
Fighters crossing over from the world of MMA into professional boxing has become the norm in recent years, with notable names such as Conor McGregor and Francis Ngannou encouraging an influx at the lower echelons of the sport. However, one undefeated mixed martial artist now faces a lifetime ban from boxing after a horrific debut.
Idris ‘Aggressor’ Abdurashidov boasts a record of 3-0 in Muay Thai and 4-0 as an MMA fighter, having scored a second-round stoppage win over Kazakbai Tilenov on his debut with popular MMA franchise ONE Championship last month.
This month, the Russian decided to try his hand at boxing and stepped through the ropes to take on Bagher Faraji (2-0) at the Ali Boxing Club in Phuket, Thailand.
After dominating all four rounds, Iran’s Faraji was well on his way to handing Abdurashidov a first professional defeat in combat sports until the debutant threw a brutal head kick in the final round of the contest, sending Faraji crashing headfirst into the canvas.
Instantaneously, a decision was made, and Abdurashidov has been banned from boxing professionally. There have also been calls for the ‘Aggressor’ to be banned from ONE Championship as well.
Yet, amid all the speculation, Abdurashidov did not seem remorseful in an Instagram post after the incident, labeling the kick as a “machine gun.” He wrote, “So he [I] debuted in professional boxing, and disqualification for life. This kick with the leg I threw away with a machine gun.”
Underneath the post, fans expressed their outrage at Abdurashidov’s lack of regret, with one user stating that the moment was “classless.”
“You were getting embarrassed, and you had to cheat. Classless, and I’m glad you’re banned for life. 0-1 boxing.”
“The leg kick and running away from the ring. If it had continued for another thirty seconds, you would have been knocked out.”
It remains to be seen whether Abdurashidov will be reprimanded by ONE Championship, although the viral nature of the incident will likely require a response from the respected combat sports promotion.
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