Counter striking is by far one of the most beautiful aspects of the fight game.

Regardless if it’s taekwondo, boxing, or MMA; a counter’s timing, precision, and execution is something to marvel at.

Getting your opponent to add more damage to your strike is some form of martial arts sorcery.

If your opponent is the aggressor and leaves himself vulnerable to attack; a decent strike can definitely stagger or even knock him out.

If that same punch lands on an opponent who is prepared to deflect, defend, or properly absorb the blow; it won’t have nearly as much impact on as the previously mentioned strike.

Dave Dona & Rafael Aghayev squared off against one another this past January; the match saw Dona outslick his opponent in several exchanges.

The most significant strikes of the bout clearly came from Dona. Eventually, Aghayev was dropped to the canvas as his blitz was perfectly countered by Dona. Under any other combat sport ruleset, Dona earned himself a knockout fair and square.

In a strange turn of events due to an odd ruleset, Dona was disqualified. If anyone should have been penalized it was Aghayev for repeated blitzing.

As previously mentioned, a decent blow can have its power increased due to an opponent’s aggressiveness. The doctor on duty rightfully so, declared Aghayev unable to continue. Dona was disqualified for excessive celebration, his protest to a point deduction, and the fact that his opponent could not continue.

The man who controlled most of the fight, was cheated out of victory. His courage and efforts were in vain. Dona’s superior technique, timing, and counter striking were counterintuitive as it earned him a disqualification. It’s mind blowing knowing that you can be penalized for laying someone out when you’re on the defensive.