In a controversial moment during UFC 302, Michal Oleksiejczuk found himself in an armbar against Kevin Holland. Referee Herb Dean deemed Oleksiejczuk’s arm dangerously contorted and stopped the fight, awarding Holland the victory by technical submission in Round 1.
However, Oleksiejczuk disagrees with the stoppage. Despite his arm being bent awkwardly, he told MMA Junkie that it did not break. While awaiting MRI results to determine the exact issue, he expressed frustration with the decision.
“I feel good,” Oleksiejczuk said. “My mental is OK. My arm is not broken. I think that I want a fight in a few months. I will be ready. … I didn’t tap. My arm is not broken. I felt great in this fight. This stoppage is not good. It’s not correct, in my opinion. … In my opinion, the stoppage is not correct. I think that if the fight was longer, my chance in this fight is (better).”
According to the ABC Unified Rules, a technical submission occurs when a legal submission act results in unconsciousness or broken/dislocated bones or joints. The decision to stop a fight based on a contorted limb is subjective, and Oleksiejczuk believes Dean misjudged in this case.
“This is my career,” Oleksiejczuk said. “This is my choice. I am really a warrior. I want to fight every time. In my opinion, this is my choice: tap or not. … I don’t know but my opinion is very simple. I am a warrior and this is my work. I want to show the best fights. I want to show very exciting fights. That’s all.”
UFC 302: Makhachev vs. Poirier : Main card .
Kevin Holland (W) Armbar vs Michal Oleksiejczuk #ufc302
REWIND pic.twitter.com/ehnTomgiz2
— Just zipped a bong hit with my bear Ted (@stonedagainbros) June 2, 2024
Dana White Praises Michal Oleksiejczuk
The fighter’s coach, Ivan Kirillov, revealed that UFC CEO Dana White praised Michal Oleksiejczuk’s toughness but emphasized the importance of preventing debilitating injury. Despite the loss, Oleksiejczuk expects his next fight to be under the same banner, having recently signed a new multifight deal.
Michal Oleksiejczuk disputes the alleged arm break and challenges the stoppage, asserting that his arm did not break during the fight against Kevin Holland at UFC 302. The controversy surrounding the stoppage highlights the delicate balance between fighter safety and allowing competitors to showcase their warrior spirit in the octagon. Oleksiejczuk’s resilience and determination remain unwavering, even in defeat.
Read More- UFC Referee Gives His Take on Kevin Holland Armbar That Broke Opponent’s Hand in Just 94 seconds
SHARE
