Orlando, Fla. – Karate Combat 47, held on Friday night, featured unexpected drama both in and out of the fighting pit.
After Luis Melendez won a unanimous decision over Will Esparza, tensions escalated. Melendez taunted Esparza’s corner, prompting members of Esparza’s team to rush into the pit and initiate a brawl.
The Karate Combat president just choked out a fighter’s cornerman after he stormed the pit #KC47 [1] pic.twitter.com/Ebb9Qq0Sq4 [2]
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) June 29, 2024 [3]
Karate Combat President Asim Zaidi intervened, putting one of Esparza’s cornermen in a rear-naked choke, rendering him unconscious. Security and Zaidi managed to break up the fight and escorted Esparza’s team out of the pit once the cornerman was revived and the situation was under control.
The event also saw a notable knockout. Rafael Alves faced ex-UFC fighter James Vick and knocked him out with a flying switch kick in the opening minutes of the first round.
MY. GOD. Rafael Alves scores one of the most insane knockouts in KC history. Completely flatlined James Vick with a flying switch kick. #KC47 [1] pic.twitter.com/iPZZ6r1oFi [4]
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) June 29, 2024 [5]
Here’s another angle:
🚨BRUTAL KO🚨
James Vick is STILL DOWN 5+ minutes later after this KO💥‼️
Can’t believe I caught this…
After minutes of seizing I’m hoping for the best for James 🙏🏻#KC47 [1] #MMA [6] pic.twitter.com/IWr5V1jxjj [7]
— MMA Casuals (@MMA_CASUALS_) June 29, 2024 [8]