Re-@rob_monroe_cutman -Repost from @krualinhoc perfect example of a cutman saving a epic fight for the fighter and fans. Not 1 but 2 doctors over Alin’s shoulder looking to stop the fight. (Sound on) Alin insisting to have a chance to work. @jordanbreen@Sherdog@mikefridleypic.twitter.com/JiYvHscNBY
Cutmen are perhaps the most under-appreciated figures in MMA. Were it not for their efforts, it’s likely that many of the greatest fights in MMA history would have been stopped early on account of cuts sustained by the fighters involved.
As it turns out a cutman might just have saved us all from an undesirable doctor-stoppage last weekend, when the UFC touched down in Winnipeg with UFC on Fox 26. On the main card, welterweight contenders Santiago Ponzinibbio and Mike Perry collided in a fight that pretty much everyone expected to be a barnburner. This fight delivered as expected, as the two fighters pummelled each other into bloody messes for three, wild rounds.
Despite a strong effort from Perry, this fight ultimately went to Ponzinibbio by decision. That said, the video at the top of this post shows that two extremely concerned cage-side physicians were very close to stopping the fight between rounds on account of the massive cut Perry opened on Ponzinibbio’s face. Thankfully, Ponzinibbio had an incredible cutman in his corner in Alin Hamalgean, who assured the aforementioned doctors that everything was ok, and begged them to let him do his job.
Had it not been for the efforts of this cutman, it’s very possible that these doctors might have waved off the fight to prevent further damage to the badly lacerated Ponzinibbio. Thankfully, that wasn’t necessary, which allowed Ponzinibbio to return to action and continue to work to an exciting unanimous decision win.
Here’s hoping cutmen start getting the credit they deserve!
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 18/12/2017.
