It would have been a win for his very first professional MMA fight.
But just as soon as he claimed victory, Drew Chatman lost it and more after he did a front flip on his knocked out opponent.
Chatman was fighting Irvins Ayala at LFA 36 in Cabazon, California on Friday night when Ayala accidentally knocked himself out.
Drew Chatman lost his first professional MMA fight just seconds after being declared the winner when he decided to do a front flip on his knocked out opponent (pictured after flip)
Chatman was fighting Irvins Ayala at LFA 36 in Cabazon, California on Friday night when Ayala accidentally knocked himself out
Ayala was attempting to to throw a hammerfirst at his opponent when his chin caught on Chatman’s knee, leaving him motionless on the ground.
The referee was calling the match a victory for Chatman when he then got on Ayala’s back and did a front flip.
Chatman, 23, was immediately disqualified for striking his opponent after the bell and Ayala was handed the win.
It was a moment that quickly went viral among the MMA community, who have criticized Chatman for the disrespectful move.
Ayala was attempting to to throw a hammerfirst at his opponent when his chin caught on Chatman’s knee, leaving him motionless on the ground
The referee was calling it a victory for Chatman when he then got on Ayala’s back and did a front flip
Chatman has since apologized for the move, blaming adrenaline and nerves for his decision to do the flip
Chatman has since apologized for the flip, blaming adrenaline and nerves.
‘It was a lot of emotions,’ he told MMA Fighting. ‘This was my first pro [bout] and I haven’t fought since last August. So, the tension and pressure was really high.’
‘It happened so fast that my instincts just kicked in and I started punching. As he fell down to the floor, it was almost like I couldn’t believe he was out, because it happened really quick.’
‘My natural reaction was just to get up. I didn’t think before I did it. I just jumped and did a flip.’
Chatman, whose nickname is ‘The Honorable’, also apologized to Ayala and said he was disappointed in himself.
Chatman, 23, was immediately disqualified for striking his opponent after the bell and Ayala was handed the win
Chatman (pictured), whose nickname is ‘The Honorable’, apologized to Ayala for the move and said he was disappointed in himself
‘All this publicity, all this media, the reality is I was wrong and I ain’t trying to gain no fame off of this, because I’m a martial artist,’ he said.
‘I do call myself “The Honourable” and I’m not losing that name. My name is not perfect. I understand that as a person I have to grow and learn from my mistakes.’
‘And I’m not ever gonna be perfect. But I will guarantee you this: It will never happen again.’
In addition to losing his win, Chatman has been suspended for 90 days by the California State Athletic Commission.
His $500 paycheck for the fight is also being withheld for striking an opponent after a fight, unsportsmanlike conduct, and hitting an opponent in the referee’s care.
Chatman said he understood the punishment and was more upset that the video of what he did will always be on the internet.
‘The video is priceless,’ he said. ‘I have to look back at that and live with regret every single day.’