Jack Hermansson has spoken out on social media following his recent knockout loss at UFC 317.
The veteran middleweight contender returned to action on Saturday after a 16-month layoff.
His return did not go well, as Gregory Rodrigues delivered a brutal knockout in the very first round.
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier was critical of the referee`s handling of the situation, particularly after Hermansson, appearing unconscious, was hit with an arguably unnecessary follow-up hammerfist that left him motionless for several minutes after the featured preliminary bout.
Hermansson`s Reaction to the KO Loss
This ninth professional MMA loss for Hermansson sparked considerable debate among fight fans online.
Some spectators criticized Rodrigues for his actions immediately after securing the knockout.
Others, however, focused on referee Herb Dean`s perceived delay in stopping the fight to protect the downed fighter.
When Hermansson himself broke his silence, he did not address the controversy surrounding the stoppage.
Instead, Hermansson accepted responsibility for the `mistake` that ended the fight and offered congratulations to his opponent.
No need to sugar coat it. I made a mistake. I got knocked out. Congratulations to my opponent @gregoryrodriguesmma, well done. Thank you to my team and supporters. I will be back.
Gregory Rodrigues Defends His Actions
Rodrigues later addressed the criticism regarding the `unnecessary` follow-up punch during his post-fight press conference.
First of all, I don`t care what the people think. When you go inside the cage, we sign the contract, we`re able to do everything. Because if he was on the other side and he did the same, why are you gonna be mad with him or something like that? He did his job.
Rodrigues added, speaking about Hermansson:
But, I hope he`s okay. He`s a warrior like me. I`m not gonna stop till the ref says stop. I just did my job, and I`m gonna keep doing that. That`s what I do. That`s what he does, and it is what it is. That was my night.
