Headbutts are back in the news again.
Johnny Bedford thought he scored a "Brutal" knockout win over Rani Yahya on the Fight Pass "Prelims" portion of Friday's (April 11, 2014) UFC Fight Night 39 mixed martial arts (MMA) event, which took place inside Du Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
See our live results and play-by-play here.
Unfortunately, it was a collision of heads that brought about an end to the fight, and when it was revealed that his 135-pound clash was ruled a "no contest," Bedford went nuts inside the cage, screaming about the decision that cost him a potential win bonus.
It was frustration -- not disrespect -- according to his apology on Facebook:
I hope all the fans can understand my actions and frustrations showed at the time of announcement. I had not looked at any replays, and in all honesty have still not seen a replay. The referee stopped the fight with me throwing punches, therefore I was celebrating a much needed win.
I have no disrespect for Rani Yahya and meant none at the time. My frustrations have come from me being sidelined by injuries and finally feeling the best I could for this fight. With all of my misfortunes of injuries and a set back in my last fight, I put myself into a position where I needed this win and was crushed when I found out I would not be receiving my win bonus.
I fight for my wife and 2 young kids, who rely on me for putting food on the table and paying the bills. I apologize to anyone who took offense to my reaction and hope that you all can put your self in my position and understand why I was upset. I wish the best for Rani and hope that he will accept my apology, but also a rematch.
I was unable to fight in Texas a few weeks prior in Dallas: So why not San Antonio in June?
Trying to get a clear, concise reaction from a fighter who is raging with adrenaline after a confusing ending is a fairly tall order, and I think most fight fans are willing to give him a pass. Like Bedford, Yahya is also coming off a loss and would probably want another chance to set things right.
Speaking of...
The promotion still has plenty of spots available for its upcoming "Fight Night" event on June 28, 2014, inside the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, headlined by 145-pound contenders Cub Swanson vs. Jeremy Stephens (see the current fight card and rumors here).
Your move, Joe Silva.