UFC’s Ihor Potieria angered MMA fans with his post-fight celebration at UFC 283.
On Saturday, Potiera defeated Shogun Rua via TKO in what would be Rua’s final MMA fight. After getting the stoppage, Potieria busted out a victory dance while a wobbly Rua was still on the ground getting checked on by the ref.
Ihor Potieria picks up his first UFC victory at #UFC283, spoiling the retirement fight of the legendary Shogun Rua. #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/YJTFk7pJWR
— MMA DIRT (@MMADIRTcom) January 22, 2023
UFC fighters were not happy with the way Potiera treated a UFC legend in the cage.
Ok I hate this guy now
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 22, 2023
You don’t do that stupid dance bullshit when you beat a legend like Shogun in his final fight you fucking dickbag
— Tanner Boser (@BulldozerBoser) January 22, 2023
Definitely not a fan of the disrespectful “celebration” by ihor…could have just been heat of the moment but still Rua is a legend that deserves only respect! #UFC283
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) January 22, 2023
Potiera 🖕🏽
— Al Iaquinta🗽 (@ALIAQUINTA) January 22, 2023
An MMA legend getting TKO'd by an 0-1 Dana White's Contender Series signee, then robotically dance-taunted pretty much sums up that perennial sadness I speak of. #UFC283
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) January 22, 2023
After the loss, Rua addressed the Brazilian crowd and thanked them for supporting him throughout his career.
The crowd was on their feet after Shogun Rua fought the final fight of his career 👏 #UFC283 pic.twitter.com/SqHqlbdRGK
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 22, 2023