"Dana sign that ref to a contract on contender series" - Fans react after referee eats multiple punches during Rizin PPV event

Fans reacted to the viral video of the referee accidentally getting punched during the fight between Rukiya Anpo and Sina Karimian fight at the RIZIN 49: Decade event, which took place in Saitama, Japan, on Dec. 31.

The six-round exhibition bout between Anpo and Karimian escalated into a brawl in the final round after Karimian threw a spinning back punch. As the referee attempted to intervene, he was accidentally struck a few times by the fighters in the heat of the moment. Fortunately, the punches did not appear to cause visible damage, and the referee continued officiating.

Check out the video below:

Fans filled the comments section to express their views on the incident. Many comments highlighted the referee's ability to withstand a punch. One fan even jokingly suggested that UFC boss Dana White should sign the referee to compete in the talent hunt show "Dana White's Contender Series."

Check out some fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

The accidental blows to the referee did not invite an immediate penalizing action, and the fight went the distance. Anpo won by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the bout 60-54 in his favor.

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Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley speaks to Japanese fans at the RIZIN 49 event

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley was one of the notable fighters attending the RIZIN 49: Decade event in Saitama, Japan. During the event's broadcast, the ring announcer invited O'Malley into the ring. The 30-year-old, wearing a bright pink Kimono, entered the ring and expressed his gratitude to the Japanese fans for their hospitality, stating:

"It's an honor to be here, I just want to say thank you to the Japanese fans who welcomed me, and have a good new year."

Check out Sean O'Malley's comments below:

RIZIN and the UFC's interactions go beyond their fighters attending each others' events. Former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura recently made his UFC debut, challenging flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja for the title in his promotional debut at UFC 310.

Although Asakura delivered a respectable performance in striking, he struggled against Pantoja's grappling and ultimately lost by a rear-naked choke in the second round.