If you won your first ever MMA fight, how would you celebrate? Maybe do the infamous Conor McGregor strut? Or, go and hug your family? Or, just maybe, do a front flip off of your opponents back?
While that final suggestion may sound absurd, it's exactly what happened during Drew Chatman's first pro-MMA fight. At LFA 36 on Friday night, Chatman won his fight via knockout against Irvins Ayala. Ayala had knocked himself out by hitting his chin against Chatman's knee and after the referee put a stop to the fight, Chatman celebrated his win by doing a front flip off of his opponent's back.
Unsurprisingly, the win was overturned, with Chatman being disqualified for unsporting behavior and striking an opponent after the bell.
Despite saying that he usually celebrates by doing flips, Chatman was apologetic saying that it's "disappointing to watch" himself celebrate in that manner.
“People that look up to me and see me become an inspiration to them have to look at that. Just to have my first pro fight is crazy, because I didn’t think I’d ever be on this level. It just happened so fast."
Take a look at the celebration below:Chatman also offered an apology to his opponent, saying: “I want to apologize to Irvins Ayala. He was a good opponent. And he brought the fight to me. And he had a lot of heart. It was not a good move on my part as a martial artist."
The 23-year-old has now been suspended for 90 days and was not paid for the fight. He also says that he hopes the celebration doesn't tarnish his reputation and hinder his future career in the sport.
