Idris Abdurashidov, a Russian MMA fighter, has caused an uproar in the boxing world after using an illegal kick to knock out his opponent, Bagher Faraji, during his professional boxing debut in Phuket, Thailand. The incident has sparked intense backlash, with many calling for a lifetime ban from the sport and questioning the future of his combat sports career.
The illegal kick shocks Boxing community
The bout took place on October 20, with Abdurashidov facing off against Iranian fighter Bagher Faraji. Faraji, who dominated the fight through four rounds, was on the verge of a victory. However, during the final seconds of the fourth round, Abdurashidov, possibly out of desperation, unleashed a high kick aimed at Faraji’s head. The move was not only unexpected but also a blatant violation of boxing rules, which prohibit the use of legs during matches.
The kick struck Faraji directly on the right side of his head, rendering him unconscious and leaving his team rushing to his aid. Abdurashidov was immediately disqualified from the fight for this illegal action, and the incident quickly became a hot topic in the boxing community.
Unrepentant and social media backlash
Despite the disqualification, Abdurashidov showed little remorse. Instead, he took to Instagram to share footage of the incident, boasting about the illegal move. In his post, he described the kick as a “machine gun” and referred to the lifetime ban he might face with apparent indifference.
This reaction fueled anger among fans and fellow athletes, with many taking to social media platforms like X to condemn his actions. Comments ranged from calling him “classless” to demanding he be banned from all combat sports. Some even suggested that legal action should be taken against him for endangering Faraji’s life.
Potential lifetime ban
The incident has led to calls for Abdurashidov’s lifetime ban from boxing, which may also impact his MMA career. While boxing officials are still deliberating on the final punishment, the gravity of his violation makes a severe consequence likely. Abdurashidov’s contract with the ONE Championship, signed earlier this year, is now under review, with the potential of being terminated.
Many in the boxing community believe that such actions undermine the integrity of the sport. Boxing, known for its discipline and respect for rules, has been marred by this scandal, and the actions of Abdurashidov have raised concerns about fighter safety in the ring.
Broader impact on combat sports
The backlash extends beyond boxing. Some fans argue that Abdurashidov’s behavior reflects a broader issue in combat sports—where fighters transitioning from MMA to boxing may struggle to adjust to different rule sets. However, others emphasize that such reckless actions have no place in any combat sport and stress the importance of preserving safety and sportsmanship.
The incident has reignited discussions around regulating athletes who compete across multiple disciplines, urging stricter measures to ensure they respect the rules of each sport.
Uncertain future of Idris Abdurashidov
As the boxing world awaits the final decision on his ban, Abdurashidov’s future remains uncertain. The controversy has cast a shadow over his career, making it difficult for him to regain the trust of fans and officials. Whether his actions will result in a permanent ban from combat sports altogether remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his professional boxing debut will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and respect for opponents in the world of combat sports, where the line between competition and endangerment must never be crossed.
