Russian MMA fighter Idris Abdurashidov faces a potential lifetime ban after knocking out an opponent with an illegal head kick in his professional boxing debut.

The shocking incident, which took place over the weekend, went viral on social media – with fans angered by the brutality of Abdurashidov’s kick and his response to the controversy.

Abdurashidov was making his professional boxing debut at the Ali Boxing Club in Phuket, Thailand, on a ONE Friday Fights card, with the undefeated featherweight MMA fighter taking on Iranian boxer Bagher Faraji.

The mirror report that Faraji, who held a 1-3 professional record before the fight, got the better of Abdurashitov and was seconds away from a likely victory before being floored by a devastating head kick from the Russian.

In a clip that circulated on social media and which you can watch below, Faraji was immediately knocked unconscious by the kick.

The referee immediately stopped the fight before several people jumped into the ring to check on Faraji.

Abdurashidov was automatically disqualified for the illegal move, but he later bragged about it on social media, even uploading a clip of the incident.

He posted: “So he made his professional boxing debut. And disqualification for life, that kick I threw was a machine gun!”

Abdurashidov now faces a lifetime ban from boxing, but his fans on social media have called for the Russian to be punished much harsher.

“He should be arrested for battery and banned from practicing combat sports again. This is so low,” one fan posted on X.

Another added: “You should be banned from participating in all combat sports. »

While a third wrote: “You are not a professional athlete because you have no control over yourself, your legs and your hands.”

Abdurashidov, 21, is currently 4-0 in professional MMA and competes in ONE Championship.

It remains to be seen whether a potential boxing ban will carry over into his MMA career.