Post-fight celebrations in MMA can sometimes cross the line, as recently demonstrated in an Oktagon MMA event.
We`ve witnessed numerous MMA fighters engage in showboating over the years. Examples range from Israel Adesanya`s provocative actions during a UFC title fight to Michael Chandler`s acrobatic back-flips after a knockout victory.
Typically, celebrations involve fighters yelling or celebrating on top of the cage after a hard-fought win.
However, Max Holzer, an Oktagon fighter, took his post-fight celebration to an extreme.
Max Holzer Imitates Israel Adesanya`s Celebration
Max Holzer, an undefeated featherweight prospect from Germany with a record of 11-0, secured a submission victory against Deniz Ilbay in the main event of OKTAGON 69 on Saturday. He defeated Ilbay with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round.
Following his victory, Holzer kissed the back of his defeated opponent`s head.
He then went further by mimicking Israel Adesanya`s infamous celebration from UFC 253 in 2020, performing a pelvic thrust towards Ilbay.
Enraged by Holzer`s antics while still on the ground, Ilbay retaliated, chasing Holzer and throwing strikes as they exited the cage.
Holzer fell out of the cage as officials intervened to restrain Ilbay.
Fans online compared the chaotic scene to the aftermath of McGregor vs. Khabib fight, referencing Khabib Nurmagomedov`s jump out of the octagon after defeating Conor McGregor at UFC 229.
For comparison, here is a reminder of Israel Adesanya`s original celebration.
Max Holzer`s Viral Antics Before the Fight
Max Holzer is known for his flamboyant personality.
Prior to his OKTAGON 69 victory, Holzer made a memorable walkout, carried to the cage on the shoulders of a person dressed in an inflatable dinosaur costume.
Fans expressed amusement and approval of Holzer`s entertaining persona.
In another instance last year, Holzer walked out to the song `You`ve Got A Friend In Me` while dressed as Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story, and subsequently won his fight by choke submission.
