Rocked fighter tries to fight ref, who responds with grace
Every fight ref has had it happen multiple times – a guy comes to, doesn’t realize the fight is over,…
Every fight ref has had it happen multiple times – a guy comes to, doesn’t realize the fight is over, and keeps fighting. Unfortunately, the real opponent is perched on top of the cage flexing, and the only person in the losing fighter’s face is the ref.
Once in the early 2000s, Massachusetts was using kickboxing referees for MMA and when an MMA fighter woke up and kept fighting, the ref dropped back into a kung fu stance with his outstretched hands formed into tiger claws, and screamed “NOOOOO!!!” Tommy Kimber’s command actually worked, too.
It happened once again at Trench Warz 20: Full Throttle on December 9 at Marinas Business Plaza, in Susupe, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.
Luckily the referee was fighter and BJJ brown belt Frank ‘The Crank’ Camacho. Camacho, who turned pro when he was 16, retired last year with a 19-4 record. He handled the dazed fighter with respect and kindness, in the manner of an older brother with a tiny little brother who was woken up too early, and was cranky.
I had the honor of being one of the refs for Trench Warz 20 this past weekend,” explained Camacho on his Instagram. “I had one of the best experiences as a ref and martial arts competitor with this fight in particular. These guys were getting after each other right off the bat. With all the adrenaline running an illegal kick was thrown to the down opponent as you see in the footage.
“Usually fighters cover their heads and pretend to be in antagonizing pain to sway a disqualification win. This fighter was totally opposite of that. He was GAME! He had the Chamorro Islander fighting spirit and had no giving up in him even after getting dazed. I just happened to be in front of him as he got back up! LOL.
“It was an amazing night of fights! Si Yu’us Maase @ifamiliaku_mass and the fighters for putting on an amazing show! Yamato Damashii in full effect! LONG LIVE THE ISLAND WARRIORS!
