UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi is off and running and so far we’ve seen a lot of ugly moments in the first few fights of the night, including a couple of terrible groin shots in just one of the bouts.
But what bantamweight Makwan Amirkhani did seconds after he choked out Danny Henry in the first round of the prelim fight was the exact opposite, as his classy gesture and tremendous display of sportsmanship was rightly lauded by fans watching the fights.
Amirkhani left Henry unconscious and then quickly got up and helped lift Henry’s legs which helped get the blood flowing through henry’s body again so he could recover quickly and regain consciousness.
This is what MMA is all about, well played @MakwanAmirkhani 👏
Mr Finland submitted Danny Henry and then made sure his opponent was stable. #UFC251 pic.twitter.com/gq82UCDX6g
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) July 12, 2020
Pure. Class.
Here’s the whole finish:
MR. FINLAND!! 🇫🇮💪@MakwanAmirkhani wastes no time getting the sub! #UFC251#InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/ETZwexMmQZ
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) July 12, 2020
UFC fights and fans loved it:
Seems little… but I really appreciate when guys help guys they just submitted like @MakwanAmirkhani just did. Hate when guys have no regard for unconscious/injured opponents. #ufc251
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 12, 2020
What a finish by @MakwanAmirkhani but more importantly I am truely impressed the care he showed after Henry went out.. He gently released his head and then immediately grabbed raised his opponent's legs. That's the kind of care a true competitor and a real man displays. #UFC251
— Patrick Murphy (@FumarMota) July 12, 2020
Touch of class from @MakwanAmirkhani impressive stuff #UFCFightIsland
— . (@johnnyoctagon) July 12, 2020
Class act, @MakwanAmirkhani – a true sportsman and a genuine martial artist. #UFC251
— Philip O'Connor (@philipoconnor) July 12, 2020
Class act him helping him wake up.
— cainburn (@Cain771999) July 12, 2020
That was high level sportsmanship. I loved it. You bareky see it in this sport
— Lori ☀️ (@Lori50260701) July 12, 2020