Reinier De Ridder’s coach Harun Ozkan has develop into the primary member of the Dutchman’s team to talk out after Saturday night’s controversial ending.
Former ONE FC champion De Ridder was struggling to remain upright over 4 rounds against Brendan Allen within the foremost event of UFC Vancouver. And in a rare move between the fourth and fifth rounds, Ozkan decided to tug out his fighter within the corner.
While it’s not strange to see boxing coaches pull their fighters out when a win is all but not possible, it is sort of never seen in MMA and specifically the UFC. Ozkan has now taken to social media to make a lengthy statement regarding what happened.
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Reinier De Ridder’s coach explains why UFC Vancouver fight was stopped
Reinier De Ridder has stayed silent on social media after the actual fact, despite tens of millions of fans being duped by a troll account who replied to Khamzat Chimaev. But his coach Harun Ozkan has spoken out, explaining why he pulled his charge from Saturday’s fight.
“Friends, fans, and supporters,” he wrote on the Instagram page for his gym Combat Brothers. “I normally don’t share personal things on here, but I feel I owe a bit of explanation to everyone who’s been behind us.
“To begin with, thanks for the amazing support we’ve been receiving. It’s been a crazy and busy yr thus far. Last night didn’t go as we wanted. After a really strong start in the primary round, things quickly began fading and we couldn’t really recuperate from the shots in and after the second round.
“I made the decision to stop the fight after the fourth round. I take full responsibility for that call and it was the best call to make for me within the moment. It’s not a choice I ever desired to make, but I assume sometimes you’ve got to.
“My job is to teach, but additionally to look out for my fighter’s health. I’ve been with Reinier for mainly his whole profession and saw too many signs that made me step in. If I didn’t do anything, he would’ve continued the fight.
“Slightly than risk unnecessary damage, I made a decision to call it a day and go home as healthy as possible. Live to fight one other day.”
Reinier De Ridder coach insists fighter’s health was top priority in UFC Vancouver stoppage
“I absolutely don’t care about pleasing others if it comes at the associated fee of somebody’s health,” the coach continued. “There’s a skinny line between ‘being tough’ and watching out to your health. This sport may be brutal.
“These guys sacrifice lots of their life out and in of the cage – there’s no need for excess damage if it might be avoided. Most individuals forget they’re human too. Zero excuses for this loss, we knew what we were going for.
“We are usually not blissful with this performance, but for now recovery first, evaluate some stuff and we shall be back next yr. It has been a tremendous yr overall and thankful for all of the highs and lows in life.
“Pleased with you my brother @deriddermma. We’ve come a great distance. Have an exquisite day everyone and thanks for the continued support.”