Former heavyweight champion Arjan Bhullar faced a shocking disqualification in his match against Amir Aliakbari at ONE Championship 166.
The disqualification came as a result of Bhullar’s consistent avoidance of engagement, a highly unusual occurrence in professional mixed martial arts.
Bhullar’s strategy of moving backward and engaging minimally with his opponent drew warnings from referee Herb Dean, which Bhullar seemed to disregard.
In the second round, Dean issued two yellow cards for stalling, impacting Bhullar’s purse.
Ultimately, Bhullar’s reluctance to engage forced Dean to issue a red card and disqualify him with just 45 seconds remaining in the final round.
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong expressed disappointment in Bhullar’s performance, calling it an embarrassment to India.
Herb Dean gives Arjan Bhullar a red card resulting in disqualification due to inactivity at #ONE166.
Bhullar was given two yellow card warnings prior to this for not engaging.#ONE166
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) March 1, 2024
The incident sparked discussions about the expectations and responsibilities of professional fighters.
Bhullar’s journey in ONE Championship has been challenging, with contractual negotiations delaying his title defense and a subsequent defeat in a unification bout.
The disqualification adds further adversity for Bhullar as he navigates his future in mixed martial arts.
The incident highlights the complexities and expectations within professional fighting, emphasizing the balance between strategy and sportsmanship.
The historic combat sports event, ONE 166, recently took place in Qatar, featuring a fight between Canadian heavyweight fighter Arjan Bhullar and Iranian fighter Amir Aliakbari.
The bout gained attention due to a red card issued by referee Herb Dean.
Despite Bhullar’s defensive approach throughout the fight, Dean cautioned him twice with yellow cards, urging him to pick up the pace.
At the 0:57 mark of the third round, when Aliakbari intensified his attacks, Bhullar showed disinterest in engaging and began to retreat.
This prompted Dean to show Bhullar the red card. This card system is not unique to this event, as it originated in the now-defunct Japanese MMA promotion, PRIDE.
Red cards in ONE Championship signify disqualification for either illegal strikes or a lack of offensive actions. In Bhullar’s case, it was issued for the latter.
This incident mirrors a previous occurrence in 2021 when Eddie Alvarez received a red card for illegal strikes.
While yellow cards caution fighters, red cards result in immediate disqualification.
Fans reacted as follows:
Of course it’s an Indian fighter 🤮
— Jonah davidson (@jonahdavidson8) March 1, 2024
Herb really wanted to make sure dude saw that red card 🤣🤣🤣
— Majick (@Majick666) March 1, 2024
They should have this system in UFC
— Dunk (@Dunk_on_you_) March 1, 2024
I'd worry about how this is applied by the refs. There's already big discrepancies in how certain refs decide to stand guys up or not. I'd rather see "aggression" elevated in round scoring and "control" lessened.
— Lex Jurgen (@Lex_Jurgen) March 1, 2024
Bro got a penalty
— Lu (@buyerofbananas) March 1, 2024
I’d love this in the UFC. Imagine herb Dean tapping a crotch sniffer in the back and showing him a red card lmao
— JJ Carvalho (The Octagon King) (@theOctagonKings) March 1, 2024
After herbs last outing UFC for sure does not need this system, herb throwing out yellows cause you’ve been grappling for 30 seconds or haven’t advanced position from side control in 5 seconds
— RipItRicco (@RhysLon09539859) March 1, 2024
Izzy would have never been champ for aslong as he was lol
— Young Promethazine (@CosmeAlejandr10) March 1, 2024
Herb had zero patience in the Brandon fight last weekend 😂
— Barrsky85 (@Barrsky85LIVE) March 1, 2024
Herb petty for following him around w/ the red card 💀
— 🙂 (@_TStreet) March 1, 2024
Man backing up trying not to get kicked and he gets carded 🤣 Herb Dean strikes again
— CJ (@artnkicks) March 1, 2024
Herb be like… pic.twitter.com/l9nAFaqqW7
— jav iqbal (@jav_55) March 1, 2024
i can see why the ufc released Arjan Bhullar. Boring heavyweight.
— Sports Fan (@sports_fan911) March 1, 2024
Ian Machado and Izzy will be disqualified all day if this rule is applied in the UFC
— Schwarzenegger Chauke (@eliotchauke1) March 1, 2024
Saw it live. It was warranted in this fight. Bhullar barely changed his pace after the first and second yellow card.
— Octagon Genesis (@WarmongerMMA) March 1, 2024
Khabib wouldn't be undefeated under these rules.
— Sami (@untried_sam) March 1, 2024
Indians can’t fight pic.twitter.com/G6MgHNeeuI
— Bhag Cap (@BhagCapital) March 1, 2024
Here for it. Love this idea in combat sports.
— T (@BuddhaTeeD) March 1, 2024
Finally Herb Dean could utilise his words “Dont bring me into this fight”
— Harith Haqeem (@hadeshaqeem) March 1, 2024
All the dagestanian fighters in ufc would get disqualified 🤣
— SPARKY (@David77036543) March 1, 2024
Running away the entire time lol
— المختار (@YallKnow_GP) March 1, 2024
I didn’t watch the fight but why are you scared to engage in a cage fight you’re getting paid for
— LIVING LEGEND (@Trill__22) March 1, 2024
