Just when you think you’ve seen it all, MMA will find a way to surprise you.
Saturday at CFFC 99, a sudden and unexpected wildlife sighting in Biloxi, Miss., Caused an unexpected break in the middle of the fight during the co-main event between former UFC and Bellator fighter Nah-Shon Burrell and the infamous Mid- Fight finger loser Khetag Pliev.
As Burrell (18-11) and Pliev (5-2) built up the pace of their rapid exchange of blows, a giant green moth appeared to appear out of nowhere and visibly startled the fighters. As Burrell dodged the falling creature, the umpire intervened to make sure it left the fighting area.
Meanwhile, Pliev was unfazed. The man lost his finger in the last fight. Do you think a small (big) bug will scare him? Nope.
Anyway, the crowd oh, ah and laughed as the beetle, which by some standards might have been considered a bird, flew up and mounted on the light.
Like many viewers (and fellow reporters), MMA Junkie’s editor-in-chief John Morgan and his broadcast partner CM Punk had a great day with what turned out to be.
“We have a pretty large flying insect that has invaded the Fitz Tunica Casino and Hotel,” said Morgan. “Fortunately, our referee led the insect out of the fighting area.”
Punk added, “Let’s do a repeat right here and we’ll see what happens. You see Nah-shon Burrell looking good with his boxing and then, right here, stuffing this takedown from the moth, which then immediately flies away. (That was) a kind of dirty moth pool, if you ask me. “
Perfectly played by both men when you call, if you ask me.
Check out the hilarious clip below:
Alert insects in the cage! Burrell didn’t want to be part of it! # CFFC99 pic.twitter.com/5LzzfPqcJC
– UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) August 15, 2021
That’s why I love the madness of regional MMA. Sure, it’s cool to see the next generation of talent and the brutal finishes that come with it. However, these are the kind of things that really keep me going – things you would never see in the UFC that are so bizarre that you double take.
Whichever martial arts torment this moth next, it will invade the cage – and our hearts – undefeated.
PS Oh, and as for the fight, Burrell won one insane round 2 by knockout. I highly recommend that you check this out below as well.
And Nah-Shon Burrell gets the walkoff KO! # CFFC99
Spread! pic.twitter.com/fMgGHALkDg
– UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) August 15, 2021
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Photos: Paige VanZant over the years
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