Read about the controversial ending to the bantamweight matchup at UFC 294 due to a groin shot in the second round. Get the latest news and updates on MMA at MMA Knockout.
| Controversial Ending at UFC 294 |
A highly-anticipated bantamweight matchup at UFC 294 ended in disappointing and somewhat confusing fashion due to a groin shot in the second round. The fight between Javid Basharat and Victor Henry was paused when Basharat’s kick made solid contact with Henry’s groin. Despite the ringside doctor’s confusing exchange, the fight was declared a No Contest. Victor Henry was later transported to a hospital after vomiting backstage.
Controversial Ending at UFC 294
A highly-anticipated bantamweight matchup at UFC 294 ended in disappointing and somewhat confusing fashion due to a groin shot in the second round.
The UFC 294 prelims featured a number of intriguing bouts, and ahead of the event the bantamweight contest between unbeaten Javid Basharat and veteran Victor Henry looked as if it might be a sleeper candidate for Fight of the Night.
Things looked to be heating up between the two early in the second round, but unfortunately only 15 seconds had elapsed before the action was paused when Basharat threw a kick that made solid contact with Henry’s cup.
“Las Mangosta” immediately hit the canvas in pain, and it quickly became apparent that the foul had done enough damage that it could mean the end of the fight.
None of the commentators seemed to have any doubts about how severely Henry had been compromised, but the situation took a strange turn when the ringside physician came in to speak to the bantamweight and tried to claim that the strike hadn’t caught him in the groin.
Henry got to his feet against the fence and valiantly tried to psyche himself up to fight as the allotted five-minute time out wound down.
The referee quickly waved the fight off when it was clear the 36-year-old would be unable to continue, and despite the ringside doctor’s confusing exchange the bout was rightfully declared a No Contest.
UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik later updated viewers, informing them that Victor Henry was vomiting backstage. He was transported to a hospital.
Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter and Facebook.
By Drew Beaupré
Drew is an MMA writer that regularly watches regional events in addition to major promotions such as the UFC, Bellator, PFL and ONE Championship. He joined MMA Knockout when it was founded in 2023. Follow @mmameditations
