Last weekend’s Hardcore Fighting Championship (HFC) in Moscow was an unforgettable night.
Iranian MMA fighter Ali Heibati was punched in the butt by an angry Russian mob after kicking a ring girl and sucker punching an opponent. Additionally, the lightweight was given a lifetime ban by HFC’s promoters.
“Hello everyone. This is for Maria,” Haverty said on social media. “I didn’t have the right attitude towards her. The reason for that was because there were a lot of fistfights before the MMA fight. I was in the cage and I just wanted to go out and fight. I was nervous and, as many people understand, emotions run high during matches, so I behaved badly towards Maria before the match.
“I would like to publicly apologize to her,” Haverty continued. “I respect women’s sexuality because I’m married. She was at work and after the fight I didn’t admit my guilt either, because they hit me on the head. Please tell Maria I’m sorry.”
Haverty lost to Arkady Osipian at 4:25 of the opening match.
“What happened on today’s live broadcast exceeds all moral and ethical standards,” HFC said in a subsequent statement. “No one has the right to touch Hardcore Media’s staff, employees or partners, let alone hit them. Furthermore, such marginal behavior is absolutely unacceptable towards women. It is the worst thing a man can do to slack off. The league has decided that given the current situation, the apology already made by Ali Haverty is definitely not enough. The entire amount will be sent to Maria, the ring girl.
“Also, all participants in the backstage large-scale brawl will be disqualified and removed from appearing in Hardcore Media promotions,” the statement continued. “At this time, we are in the process of identifying and naming all the culprits involved in these unsportsmanlike acts. Respect yourself, respect each other, respect the code of honor and simple moral values. Please respect the rules of conduct of the civilized society to which you belong.”
If Haverty signs with the Punch Club, he would feel comfortable.
