MMA followers are divided over the controversy surrounding the unlawful upkick Rodolfo Bellato sustained from Paul Craig on the finish of the primary spherical of their preliminary card headliner at UFC Atlanta.
Bellato appeared to have been briefly knocked unconscious by the upkick and the judges ended up ruling the sunshine heavyweight bout a No Contest. Many combat followers now consider that Bellato could have exaggerated the influence, noting that he appeared to complain to the referee whereas falling to the canvas.
Within the aftermath of the bout, the Brazilian instantly issued a press release saying that the influence sustained by him was authentic and he misplaced management over his senses. He additional dismissed the allegations by insisting that he would by no means run away from a battle.
Try the put up beneath:
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The put up sparked a number of fan reactions on the platform. One fan wrote:
“Seemed faux af, however typically the physique is freaky, who is aware of?”
Others commented:
“The kick did not even hit him within the face. It grazed his shoulder.”
“Get this man into the WWE with the over-the-top performing.”
“Defend your self always. It is like the primary lesson.”
“Normally, you do not keep in mind the shot in any respect.”
Try extra fan reactions beneath:
![Fan reactions. [Screenshots courtesy: @ChampRDS on X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/520b5-17501383537588-1920.jpg)
Aljamain Sterling weighs in on controversy surrounding Rodolfo Bellato
Aljamain Sterling discovered himself in an analogous controversy when he confronted Petr Yan at UFC 259. Drawing from his personal expertise, Sterling seems to consider that Rodolfo Bellato was genuinely harm.
On this bout, Yan landed an unlawful knee to a grounded Sterling’s face which resulted in a disqualification for the Russian fighter. Within the aftermath, ‘The Funk Grasp’ was closely criticized by followers, who fashioned the narrative that the 35-year-old exaggerated the influence and faked the knockout.
Sterling addressed the Bellato scenario in a video on his YouTube channel, stating that he didn’t consider the Brazilian was performing and steered he could have been legitimately harm.
Try Aljamain Sterling’s feedback on Rodolfo Bellato beneath (8:54):
Edited by Shehryar Edibam