Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
There were chaotic scenes at a mixed martial arts (MMA) event in the Czech Republic on Saturday, as a fighter bit his opponent’s ear to draw blood and a violent reaction from the crowd.
Vaclav Mikulasek and Pavol Vasko were squaring off at an event hosted by the promotional company Clash, in a fight deemed a “no rules” match, two months after Vasko was disqualified in their first meeting.
And the “no rules” nature of their rematch was put to the test when Vasko bit Mikulasek in the ear, causing the Czech fighter to back away, clutch the wound and shout in pain.
Blood flowed from Mikulasek’s ear as the referee waved off the contest, and someone at ringside – possibly from Mikulasek’s corner team – splashed water on the wound.
The incident can be watched below. Viewer discretion is advised.
Vasko was rushed out of the cage by security, but they could not prevent the Slovakian fighter from being hit in the head by a chair and numerous drinks that were launched from the stands at Brno’s Winning Group Arena.
Furthermore, several figures from the crowd chased Vasko towards and up the entrance ramp, with one visibly punching him. Vasko fell while trying to climb onto the ramp, and once he had scaled it, a second chair was thrown at him. Near the top of the ramp, a fighter kicked him in the stomach before he fled backstage.
It is unclear whether the crowd members originally attacking Vasko were fans or members of Mikulasek’s team.
Mikulasek later took to Instagram to share a gruesome photo of his ear, which was swollen and bloody. He also posted a video in which he spoke to camera while wearing a heavy bandage on his ear.
“Paid in blood every time,” read a caption on another post from Mikulasek, who also shared an image with the text: “The pain had something to teach you.”
While Saturday’s main event was a “no rules” contest, Tapology – a well-known MMA records, rankings and statistics website – lists the rule modifications as: “Headbutts, stomps and soccer kicks allowed.”