MMA fighter accidentally knocks out the ref, and the broadcast even shows a replay—X users in stitches

Combat sports are arguably the toughest in the world, as you can take some serious physical punishment in that ring. As we all know, very few people sign up for that kind of profession. However, some do, but not in its complete form. We are of course talking about referees, who can even get a beating for no fault of their own. Don’t believe it? Well, this video will prove you wrong.

During the MMA Super Cup semi-final between Ireland’s Lewis Byrne and Mexico’s Luis Gonzalez, the latter accidentally kicked referee, Scott Manhardt, knocking him out. However, the referee still managed to get up and continue officiating the fight. The replay video of the incident was uploaded on various social media platforms shortly after, and instantly went viral, with some users applauding the referee’s resilience, while others sharing their amusement.

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Hilarious User Reactions

Several users were seen hilariously reacting to the video. Let’s take a look at some of their reactions:

The only job left (via @dakinakib / X)

Let’s hope this referee didn’t take the job after getting rejected from every other position on Indeed because he looks like he’s regretting all of his life choices at this moment!

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MMA fighter be like (via @TheGlobal_Index / X)

Mexico's Luis Gonzalez definitely made a big boo-boo by accidentally kicking the referee in the face. This hilarious and embarrassing eye-roll perfectly captures what he must be feeling at that moment!

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Help the man up! (via @FUKINAMIN500215 / X)

In the video, Luis Gonzalez starts walking away after knocking the referee down, almost as if he were the opponent. C'mon, man, at least help the guy up!

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Not the craziest (via @Caleb_4xF / X)

It appears that this incident isn't the craziest thing this user has seen in the MMA world. So either he knew that the referee was going to be just fine, or he was hoping for something more brutal and entertaining to happen!

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Selfless referee (via @UnanimousDC / X)

Aww, isn't the referee the most selfless person in the world? He couldn't stand to see Ireland’s Lewis Byrne take a kick to the face, so he decided to step in and eat it himself, as this user points out.

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TKO'd (via @phntsm_01 / X)

Wait a minute, if Luis Gonzalez knocked out the referee with his kick, shouldn't it be counted as a TKO (technical knockout) and added to the fighter's record?

Scott Manhardt surely didn’t expect to be kicked in the face when he woke up that day, but he’s certainly emerged as an internet hero by getting up after taking the hit, leaving users both amused and impressed.