Idris Abdurashidov, a mixed martial artist, claims he has received a lifetime disqualification following an illegal move during his debut professional boxing match.
On Sunday, October 20, the Russian MMA fighter faced Iran’s Bagher Faraji at the Ali Boxing Club in Phuket, Thailand, marking his first professional boxing appearance.
The fight seemed to be leaning in Faraji’s favor until Abdurashidov’s controversial action occurred in the fourth round.
With only seconds left in the round, Abdurashidov delivered a kick to Faraji’s head—an act that is prohibited in boxing.
Despite the controversy, Abdurashidov posted a video of the incident on social media, seemingly taking pride in what happened.
The video captures Abdurashidov’s kick making direct contact with Faraji’s face, knocking him out instantly as he falls to the floor.
The post’s caption reads: [Translation] “So he debuted in professional boxing.” “And disqualification for life, this kick with the leg I threw away with a machine gun!”
It remains unclear what specific event or organization has issued Abdurashidov’s lifetime disqualification.
UNILAD has reached out to both Abdurashidov’s representatives and the Ali Boxing Club for their comments on the incident.
The social media post quickly became a hub for people to share their opinions.
One Instagram user commented: “You were getting embarrassing and you had to cheat. Classless and I’m glad you’re banned for life. 0-1 boxing.”
Another added: “How are you proud of this? Easy to catch someone with a kick when they’re only expecting punches from a shorter range. This was nothing to be proud of and you should have faced more than just a ban.”
A third user remarked: “The leg kick and running away from the ring, if it had continued for another thirty seconds, you would have been knocked out.”
“LIFETIME BAN FROM ALL MMA SPORTS, BOXING, UFC, KICKBOXING, ETC. BAN HIM FOR LIFE,” said a fourth.
A fifth echoed: “Idris, this is a cowardly act and you should be banned from all combat sports for your lifetime.”
Subsequently, Abdurashidov posted a photo of himself and Faraji shaking hands and posing for the camera, stating: “We shook hands between us, everything is fine, we made up.”
However, a user pointed out: “This just shows he’s a good dude. It doesn’t negate the fact that you’re a clown who deserves a lifetime ban from combat sports.”