MMA fighter accuses Charles Oliveira of unfair beatdown in zero-protection sparring session, fans react: "They thought he was a spy"

Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira drew mixed reactions from fans after a sparring session with chess player and aspiring MMA fighter Arslan Otchiyev went viral. The session, which was intended as a light training experience, seemingly escalated into a lopsided beatdown, with Otchiyev claiming that he was not provided with any protective gear.

According to an Instagram post by @xcellentmma, Otchiyev reacted to the sparring session, stating:

“Why did they post my beating? I was on vacation and stopped by to train. When they heard I was speaking Russian, they put me in with Oliveira and didn’t give me any protective gear. At first, it was okay, until I was exhausted. I could barely feel my hands and couldn't stand on my feet.”

Check out Arslan Otchiyev's comments and video of the sparring session below:

Several fans reacted to the video in the comments section, writing:

"They thought he was a spy."

"They always spar like that."

"Welcome to Chute Box. The one place you don’t drop in to train thinking they’ll take it easy on you."

"Chute box‼️ Charles was merciful with those punches… those knees were nasty though."

"People from rival gyms often get 'green lit'. Like in BJJ [Brazilian jiu jitsu] if you come into a random gym and claim to be a purple belt they will try and get their best blue belts to beat you."

"Don’t get in there when the boy is doing champ rounds! Everybody knows that."

Check out some of the reactions below:

Fans react to Charles Oliveira's controversial sparring video. [Images courtesy: @xcellentmma on Instagram]

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Conor McGregor makes his pick for Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler rematch

Conor McGregor has made his pick for the upcoming lightweight showdown between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler at UFC 309. After weeks of tension surrounding Chandler's decision to pursue the rematch against Oliveira, the Irish superstar has thrown his support behind his rival coach on season 31 of 'The Ultimate Fighter'.

Chandler locked horns with Oliveira at UFC 262 for the vacant lightweight throne in his second fight under the UFC banner. Oliviera pulled off an impressive come-from-behind TKO victory to claim the 155-pound championship and also broke the UFC record for most finishes.

During a recent appearance on the Duelbits stream, McGregor expressed confidence in Chandler’s abilities, stating:

"Chandler has a bit more knowledge of it now. I'd love to see Chandler deal with him, to be honest. We [Chandler and McGregor] have to settle this. Me and this little fool. Let's see how it goes. It is what it is. Whatever is the case."

Catch Conor McGregor's comments below: