The most anticipated bout of Abdul Muneer against Masio Fullen became the center of controversy after the fight ended in a stoppage, just 3 seconds away from the end of the first round. In the fight footage, Abdul Muneer was seen guarding against the ground and pound onslaught by Masio Fullen. Many by the ringside pointed out that the match was far from over and the stoppage was an error made by the referee.
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India’s Abdul Muneer showcased some dominating stand-up assault against Masio Fullen that forced the veteran UFC fighter to go on the defensive. It would have been a different story if the fight would have went to the second round as Abdul Muneer dominated the fight with his stand-up skills that did upset the UFC fighter.
Twice during the first round, Masio had to slow down to Abdul Muneer with a tactical clinch. It was a hard knee from Masio that cut Abdul Muneer near the eye and brought him to the ground. This resulted in the fight going to the ground with Masio unleashing a barrage of punches while Muneer was on the defensive and covered up.
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However, it is evident that Muneer was in control and was waiting for the clock to run out. Though the fight ended up controversially, it was hailed for the level of sportsmanship shown by both the fighters.
Even after the fight, Muneer was confident that he could have made a difference if the fight had gone to the second round. both the fighters had a profound respect for each other. It wasn’t expected of an Indian Mixed Martial Artist to go the distance on a stand-up fight with a UFC featherweight veteran. When asked Abdul Muneer responded, “Masio is an amazing warrior and a gentleman. We have a lot of respect with each other. Only thing I am worried is that I might have disappointed my supporters who stoof by me. However I am proud that as an Indian athlete with least facilities we were able to go head on to veteran UFC fighters. Sometimes we win or we learn. I am lucky to be among the first wave of fighters to step into the ring against such global talent. I am back to training and you will witness an altogether different beast in my next bout. And just like this time I am waiting for the toughest opponent to fight against.”
Abdul Muneer carried out the first phase of training on his own even without a training partner in Bangalore only to travel to Bahrain MMA 12 days before the fight to complete the second phase of training in a proper MMA training facility. This is also alarm on how association politics slow down Indian Mixed Martial Artists from achieving their potential. “We are focusing on collaborating and bringing together MMA gyms, training facilities together. Team Relentless and Bahrain MMA trained fighters who were part of other gyms without restricting them. Knowledge multiplies when shared. We hope that in the coming months Indian athletes will mold their style with the training they want without restricting themselves. Only way Indian athletes can achieve something great is through right education and a transparent environment that respects the right of athletes than the role of associations or organizations that govern the sport.” said Aditya Ps, President All India Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
