A splinter so small you could barely see it.
However, this is what put an end, last Thursday evening at the Accor Arena, to the most anticipated MMA fight of the start of the year between the two Frenchmen Cédric Doumbè and Baysangur “Baki” Chamsoudinov.
The first was “devastated” by a splinter in his foot, which led to the fight being interrupted by the referee, and the second did not fail to gently make fun of this incredible outcome.
This Monday, “Baki” returned to the Quotidien show on this astonishing start to the third round, the one which was to decide between two fighters who had until then been tied according to the judges (one round everywhere).
Also readMMA: why the fight between Baki and Doumbè was stopped by the referee in the 3rd round
“It was a very interesting round because people wanted to see how the fight was going to end,” he said.
I see Cédric complaining and the referee stops the fight.
He complained the first time directly to the referee who told him to continue fighting.
I don't understand.
Then he tells me he has something in his foot and he can't fight.
I tell him:
take off what you have on your foot and we'll continue
.
I don't see what's wrong with him, I'm focused on the fight.
Besides, it’s very little what he had…”
“If I had something like that, no one would have known…”
In Cédric Doumbè's place, Baki swears that he would never complain about the pain.
“Personally, if I had something like that, neither the referee, nor the public nor anyone would have known that I had this thing on my foot.
A lot of things hurt in a fight, we are fighters (…) I have already had moments where I was in pain, where I felt difficulties and I said nothing.
This is the very basis of fighters, we are excellent liars, we do not show pain!
»
So why such behavior on the part of Doumbè?
“It must have bothered him.
It was the last round.
If I had been in his place, I would have given everything to finish the fight, that's what had to be done.
I'm still happy (to have won) even if it tarnishes the victory a little.
It was a shame, I clearly wanted to finish the fight well.
It was long overdue, it was a real rivalry.
»
Baki also said he “discussed well” with Doumbè after the fight and felt that the two men got along well.
“A fight, we think it keeps us apart but it really brings us together…” From there to considering a rematch?
“There is nothing official at the moment but if the PFL lines up the tickets, why not…”