An Iranian mixed martial artist has been handed a lifetime ban after kicking a ring girl's butt during a match in Russia, Walla Sports reported on Tuesday.
Martial artist Ali Heiberty took part in a martial arts round with Arkady Ossifyan of Russia's leading MMA Federation (HFC) in Moscow. When the two entered the ring, Haverty kicked the ring girl's butt, signaling the start of the first round. She became furious and attempted to confront the Iranian fighter before the referee rushed to intervene.
In Iranian MMA, Ramad Ali Heybatty Le Dio Una Patada Una Chica Del Ring, Polke “Se Cintio Obendido Pol Su Bestimenta”, Perro El Publico Luso re dio una paroterrapia al vallarce del lingu por agredil. Would you like to make a public comment to the contrary? pic.twitter.com/U00nn9eT9l
— Eduardo Menoni (@eduardomenoni) April 22, 2024
The battle began and Osifian attacked Haverty with vigor, eventually gaining a technical victory within just 30 minutes. Despite the referee's intervention and the end of the fight, the Iranian mixed martial artist stood up and attacked Ossifian with his back to Heybati.
Permanent banishment and apology
Haverty's team members managed to restrain him, but he then tried to kick tournament officials. Haverty's actions caused a violent reaction from the audience, and after he left the ring, some spectators near him attempted to kick him.
After the fight, the Iranian fighter posted a photo of himself alongside the ring girls and issued a vague apology: “Hello everyone, I'm Maria. I was hoping it would start. There was so much tension and emotion that I apologized for kicking her. I'm married and I respect my gender.”
Local association leaders were unimpressed by the apology and announced Haverty's permanent ban from competition. “This kind of behavior towards women is unacceptable. Inflicting physical harm on women is the worst thing a man can do.
“Haverty's apology is not enough. He will be fined and the full amount will be paid to his ring girl Maria.”
