WATCH: “Really had the nerve to say this” – Referee goes VIRAL after unhinged question to knocked out UFC fighter

UFC Vegas 87 had great knockouts and excellent fights. One of the fights that received attention was Steve Erceg vs. Matt Schnell. Schnell was knocked out cold by Erceg in the bout. However, it was not the fighters that sparked controversy, but the UFC referee Chris Tognoni. He had a post-fight exchange with Schnell right after he suffered a brutal knockout.

Tognoni made a series of cringe-worthy remarks that many deemed insensitive. The UFC referee started an awkward dialogue with the fighter. This is what he said to the heavily concussed Schnell:

I’m not sure what was worse, the punch or you hitting your head on the canvas. You will see it on film.

Chris Tognoni after Erceg vs. Schnell fight

The flyweight fight ended violently when Steve Erceg flatlined Schnell with a crushing right hand. The devastating one-punch knockout came late in the second round, leaving Schnell unconscious on the canvas. The scary knockout marked Schnell’s second loss in a row. His last win was a great comeback victory against Su Murdaerji.

Tognoni has yet to address heat over the video publicly. The insensitive scene provoked necessary debate regarding sensitivities required when interacting with concussed athletes. Schnell will hopefully make a full recovery after the devastating defeat.

Fight fans reacted to Chris Tognoni’s insensitive comments to concussed fighter

Chris Tognoni faced backlash for inappropriate comments made to a concussed UFC fighter at UFC Vegas 87. The card was headlined by Shamil Gaziev vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik. The video showed the referee casually telling knocked-out Matt Schnell about the trauma he had just endured. 

Fight fans took to social media to express their reactions to this incident. Some fans showed outrage at Tognoni’s casual tone. Others felt that the referee lacked empathy and sensitivity towards the fighter. Some others called for an investigation into this event. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:

The referee likely did not intend harm with his remarks. The clip intensified the ongoing discussion around compassion for athlete health and safety. Tognoni’s conduct showed ignorance toward the grave risks fighters face. Hopefully, the outcry will lead to positive change. 

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