The most read Vietnamese newspaper
Edition: International | Vietnamese
© Copyright 1997 VnExpress.net. All rights reserved.
Holzer defeated Ilbay at the April 6 match with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round after Ilbay tapped out and the referee intervened.
The German celebrated by kissing the back of Ilbay's neck and kicking him in the butt while he remained on the floor.
Max Holzer's provocative victory celebration.
This provocative celebration enraged Ilbay. The 30-year-old fighter immediately stood up, chased Holzer and swung at him. Ilbay caught up with Holzer and landed a punch, knocking him out of the octagon and onto the arena floor.
Members of both fighters' teams rushed to the scene to break up the altercation, with Holzer's coaches creating a protective barrier around him. Holzer eventually stood up and left the arena but not before shouting at Ilbay.
Holzer’s actions echoed UFC legend Israel Adesanya’s controversial celebration after defeating Paulo Costa at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi in 2020. After his victory, Adesanya taunted Costa by kicking him in the butt before running off to celebrate. The Nigerian-born New Zealander faced backlash for the taunt but brushed off the criticism.
Adesanya even compared his actions to the playful taunts often seen in video games like "Call of Duty".
With the win, Holzer improved his professional record to 11-1, with nine of his victories coming by knockout or submission. Ilbay, on the other hand, saw his three-fight win streak end and suffered his second career defeat.
