"That might be the smoothest stoppage" - Fans react to referee at UFC Macau rushing in to save Feng Xiaocan from Shi Ming's follow-up shots

Shi Ming's knockout of Feng Xiaocan was among the most terrifying in UFC history, and it could have been worse were it not for the referee's timely intervention. The stoppage occurred in round three of the women's strawweight bout, with Ming uncorking a head kick from the depths of hell.

Despite surviving for three rounds, Feng was a sitting duck and the kick knocked her out cold before she ever even hit the mat. Nevertheless, Shi did as most fighters do, pouncing on her fallen foe to stop any attempted recovery. She landed a few follow-up shots before the referee dove in to save Feng.

Check out the referee's stoppage for Shi Ming vs. Feng Xiaocan:

Smoothest ref in the business! byu/Immediate_Concert_46 inufc

Not only did the referee get between both women, he secured double underhooks on Shi from the north-south position, using a chest wrap to roll her away from an unconscious Feng. This led to widespread praise from fans on Reddit, who remarked on his speedy intervention.

One fan was impressed by the efficiency of the save, differentiating it from John McCarthy's intervention in Conor McGregor's knockout of José Aldo.

"That might be the smoothest stoppage I've seen. Worst is Big John sliding and KO kneeing Aldo in the face after Conor dropped him"

Others even speculated that the referee may have freestyle wrestling experience. It's a reasonable assumption, as some UFC referees have a martial arts background.

"Two exposure for black. Excellent chest wrap and roll through. He definitely wrestled freestyle at some point in his life. Too clean."

Another fan was left almost speechless.

"Bruh"

Some even compared the referee to those in other combat sports, agreeing with the original post's praise of the stoppage.

"That was my first impression upon seeing this. Reminded me of that kickboxing/MT ref who swoops in and cradles heads whenever knockouts happen"

A collage of fan reactions can be seen below:

Fan reactions to the referee's stoppage of Shi Ming vs. Feng Xiaocan

Feng will likely be thankful that the referee stopped the fight when he did, sparing her from permanent damage.

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Shi Ming's knockout left Feng Xiaocan on a stretcher

While Shi Ming's knockout was impressive, earning her a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, it also struck fear in the hearts of observers. Feng Xiaocan was unconscious for four minutes, prompting local medical officials to transport her from the octagon on a stretcher.

Fortunately, Feng regained her consciousness and began speaking in the ambulance, pacifying any fears of permanent damage.