The internet has recoiled in collective agony after Russian MMA fighter Sergei Kharitonov suffered a brutal low-blow during his heavyweight match-up with America’s Matt Mitrione at Bellator 215.
The main event contest between the two veterans in Connecticut came to an abrupt end after just 15 seconds, when Mitrione’s powerful low kick caught Kharitonov flush in the groin, causing him to collapse in agony.
The event was ruled a no-contest after the accidental below-the-belt shot, and the 38-year-old Russian was later taken to hospital from the Mohegan Sun Arena.
Where there was pain for Kharitonov, there was sympathy – and seemingly a little bit of perverse pleasure – from the MMA contingent on social media.
RT Sport has rounded up some of the responses from the Twitterati, some of whom had a meme-making field day at Kharitonov’s expense.
Thankfully, the latest update on Kharitonov’s health states that he has left hospital after having an ultrasound scan.
“A hematoma was diagnosed, that's okay. Now he is back from hospital [but] it’s difficult for him to move around,” TASS reported.
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