Earlier this month, an Iranian MMA fighter caused a controversy in Moscow at an event by Hardocre, the Russian equivalent of Bare Knuckles. Ali Heibati appeared on April 19 for his Hard Fighting Championship (HFC) debut bout against Arkady Osipyan of Armenia. But before the match began, Heibati kicked the ring girl, only identified as Maria, in the buttock as she displayed the round card for the audience and cameras.
The woman turned around in clear surprise, expressing her anger before the referee intervened to separate them, warning the fighter about his behavior. The Iranian’s bout lasted only 30 seconds before the referee waived it off and stopped it. After Osipyan walked back to his corner, Heibati leaped up and began attacking him from behind, landing multiple cheap shots. This prompted several people to enter the cage to separate the two fighters as they awaited the…
