Fight fans were left stunned as an unbalanced bout between UFC legend and a boxing beast turned into a terrifying and very late stoppage.
Controversial outfit Triller’s Triad Combat show saw boxers and MMA fighters squaring off in a triangle-shaped ring, with the main event putting 42-year-old ex-UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir against 40-year-old ex-heavyweight world title challenger Kubrat Pulev.
But Mir was very clearly outmatched from the opening bell and once Pulev’s shots began to land the end was near.
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The problem was referee Dan Miragliotta took his sweet time to call for the technical knockout.
After a series of heavy blows Mir stood wobbling near the ropes, looking like a character in video game Mortal Kombat waiting for his opponent to hit his ‘Fatality’ finisher.
“He’s out on his feet! What is Miragliotta doing? He’s out on his feet! This one’s over!” the lead commentator screamed.
Pulev, clearly understanding he was in no danger of losing, simply pawed at his opponent and then stood there watching Mir float in and out of consciousness.
Eventually Miragliotta called for the bell and blissfully, the fight was over via TKO.
Fight experts were shocked by the ref’s actions, and indeed by the fight being booked in the first place.
The event was posed as a team battle, with MMA fighters facing boxers across the card. MMA fighters won overall despite Mir’s main event loss.
