Bellator 215: An errant Matt Mitrione kick to Sergei Kharitonov’s manhood results in an early no-contest

The ending to the first of two back-to-back fight nights for Bellator ended on a sour note to several fans. It also was a painful note to end Sergei Kharitonov’s night. Inside the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT, the bout between the two heavyweights was ruled a no-contest when Mitrione kicked Kharitonov below the belt hard enough that the latter couldn’t continue.

It was a shocking scene as the contest started off hot right away, with Mitrione (13-6, 1 NC) playing the aggressor early to avoid the previously mentioned technical skills of Kharitonov. The 38-year-old Russian (28-6, 2 NC) attempted to avoid a low left inside kick by Mitrione, but it went too far down and ended up hitting him where the sun doesn’t shine.

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The referee gave Kharitonov five minutes to recover, but the kick had such force that he could not continue. Sergei was then stretchered out, a rarity in MMA. This was his second no-contest in his last three fights. Mitrione was attempting to get back on track after losing to Ryan Bader in the Heavyweight Grand Prix.

After the fight, Matt offered his sincerest apologies to the fans and to Sergei, offering to drink beer with those still in attendance. At the post-fight press conference, Mitrione stated he would love to run it back with Sergei to get a correct result. While he had plans after the fight, he believes this is only fair.

“If Sergei is down to go, if he can do it, if his body is good, hopefully, he didn’t rupture a testicle,” Mitrione stated. “If he can do it again, then obviously I’m 100% down. He’s the only person I really want to fight in this situation because everybody, I think, deserves that. It would’ve been a great fight and a lot of fun.”

Matt pointed out that Bellator will be in Chicago in the next few months. Living close to the area, he would love to try something soon and where he can just have fun. He was also open to a Fedor Emelianenko rematch, even if it was in Russia.

There has been no update on Sergei’s condition at this moment.