Khusein Askhabov's TKO win over Reinaldo Ekson overturned to DQ, Danish federation suspends him 12 months

Former UFC fighter Khusein Askhabov has had his first-round TKO win over Reinaldo Ekson overturned to a disqualification loss. The Danish MMA Federation (DMMAF) announced the decision on Monday, October 26, after reviewing the chaotic lightweight co-main event of Airtox Dominance FC 8, held on October 17 at K.B. Hallen in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The federation also handed Askhabov and his cornermen a 12-month suspension from all DMMAF-sanctioned events and activities.

What happened in Copenhagen

According to Danish outlet Presse-Fotos.dk, the bout was first halted a few minutes in when Askhabov landed an illegal strike to the back of Ekson's head. After Ekson was given time to recover, the fight resumed, but it was stopped again when the Brazilian complained of an eye poke.

While Ekson was being examined by the doctor, Askhabov tried to attack him. Referee Thor Sandberg had to hold Askhabov back while members of his corner tried to storm the cage, and security restored order. Ekson's team left amid the chaos. Presse-Fotos.dk reported that, after reviewing footage, Sandberg concluded the eye injury came from a knuckle strike rather than an illegal finger to the eye, and he awarded Askhabov the win by doctor stoppage. Sandberg is also the chairman of the DMMAF, the outlet noted.

The result drew criticism online. Former Bellator champion Patricio "Pitbull" Freire called out Airtox Dominance boss and former UFC lightweight Mark Madsen on social media, according to MMA Sucka: "How do you allow all the fouls, back of the head shots, eye poke, attack during the time out, and you give Askhabov the win?"

DMMAF: 'serious violation'

"Having reviewed the incident, DMMAF has determined that Askhabov's actions during the timeout constituted a serious violation of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts and warranted disqualification, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the initial stoppage," the federation said in a statement quoted by MMA Fighting.

"DMMAF strongly condemns the conduct displayed during the incident," the statement continued. "Attempts to attack an opponent during a timeout, disregard for the referee's instructions, and unauthorised interference from corner teams are unacceptable and have no place in professional MMA."

The DMMAF also admitted fault for the original call. According to Presse-Fotos.dk, the federation said it recognises the original decision was wrong, takes responsibility for correcting it, and will review its procedures so officials get the support they need in similar situations.

Ekson: 'justice prevailed'

"The federation's decision was fair," Ekson told MMA Fighting. "At no point did I want to tarnish my opponent's reputation or harm him, but justice prevailed."

Ekson said the blow to the back of his head "sent a shock through my entire cervical spine," and that Askhabov later scratched his eye with his thumb. That left his vision blurred, and he said he spent seven days on antibiotics. He added that Askhabov taunted him while the doctor was examining him.

Askhabov: 'makes absolutely no sense'

Askhabov hit back in the comments under the DMMAF post, according to MMA Fighting. "I understand that emotions were high and mistakes were made. It is even not a no contest? But how on earth does he get declared the winner?" he wrote. "I want to make one thing absolutely clear: I never had any intention of hurting my opponent or anyone from his team."

Askhabov fought only once in the UFC. MMA Fighting noted that he was let go after he was reportedly arrested in Thailand in 2023 on allegations of kidnapping, torture and extortion.