If the trend catches on: Referee gets punched multiple times in chaotic fight at RIZIN 49; Watch

Referee gets punched at Rizin 49. Photo: Reproduction X

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Japanese New Year’s Eve events often feature bizarre fights and strange spectacles. This year’s main event originally had Ryan Garcia set to face Rikiya Anpo at RIZIN 49: Decade, but the boxing star pulled out due to injury. However, the replacement fight was just as chaotic…

Despite being in the super lightweight division, Anpo faced Sina Karimian, a heavyweight champion known for breaking the rules. In addition to the huge size difference, the fight turned into a madhouse at the end. Fast and skilled, the Japanese fighter showed a significant boxing advantage from the beginning. Seeing that the fight was heading for his defeat, the Iranian decided to show off and provoke Anpo, living up to his reputation and breaking the rules of boxing.

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In the sixth and final round, Karimian began throwing illegal spinning punches that earned him warnings from the referee. When the Iranian did it again, Anpo threw a punch as well, and both men ignored the referee's attempts to call a break. Both fighters continued to fight, and this led to the referee receiving several punches, mostly from Karimian. (see video below)

⚠️ A MELEE HAS BROKEN OUT

SINA KARIMIAN HAS PUNCHED THE REFEREE!⚠️

[ #RIZIN_DECADE | LIVE on https://t.co/LChPUvqSqh ] pic.twitter.com/WbEYJQm6W2

— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) December 31, 2024

No point deductions or disqualifications were handed out. After several officials stepped in to break up the chaotic melee, the fight was restarted. The referee was apparently angered after receiving those punches, but continued his work and officiated the fight until the end.

The Japanese fighter won, with scores of 60-54 from all three judges. After raising his arms, Anpo celebrated and apologized to the referee for the punches he threw. (see below)

TEAM BREAKING DOWN HAS WON‼️

4️⃣ -3️⃣

Rukiya Anpo takes the unanimous decision win over Sina Karimian!

[ #RIZIN_DECADE | LIVE on https://t.co/LChPUvqSqh ] pic.twitter.com/NIdUdDAk51

— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) December 31, 2024

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