The mixed-rule fight was horribly wrong when the judge stood up and allowed the fighters to stay in the chokehold for too long.
The match in question took place between Cambodian fighter Nam Shu Khunkhmer and Myanmar boxer Joe Fiu at a mass fight event held at Cambodia’s Town Arena on Sunday, May 18th. During the contest, Nam Shue grabbed Poshu with a standing choke and tried to indifferent his opponent. Unfortunately, referee Long Baibolu was unable to intervene in a timely manner, allowing Namshu to suffocate his opponent even more.
By the time Vibol called for a stop, Phyu was completely out, fell on the mat and slammed his head on the canvas.
Check out the clip below.
Famous One Championship Judge talks about the controversial mixed rules fight
Judgment Olivier Coste has had experience in hosting mixed-rule battles in one championship and offered his views on the case.
“The Khmer martial arts in MMA-style battles are not appropriate. They want to incorporate MMA-style rules, but the referees have no knowledge of sports or MMA. Hopefully this will never happen again,” he said.
Myanmar Sports News Outlet ANS has posted a message to Khov Chhay, president of the Khmer Boxing Federation, urging him to take disciplinary action against the judge by removing him from his duties as a combat sports official.
“The federal working groups are currently considering the issue,” Chhay told the Phnom Phen Post in controversy.
For those unfamiliar, Kun Khmer is Cambodia’s full contact combat sport, including strikes, grappling and clinching. It’s very similar to Muay Thai, but the Khun Khmer focuses on elbow strikes, and the dynamic exchange of clinches often differs between the two sports.
Essentially, Kun Khmer and the art of eight limbs share a common heritage, but have evolved into two different styles with unique cultural practices and technical nuances.