Rodolfo Bellato Accused of Faking Knockout: UFC Atlanta Bout Sparks Outrage

By Ali Hammad June 16, 2025 09:46

The light heavyweight prelim bout between Rodolfo Bellato and Paul Craig at UFC Atlanta on June 14, 2025, ended in a bizarre and controversial fashion that has since ignited a firestorm of debate among fans, fighters, and analysts. The fight was halted just seconds before the end of the first round after Craig landed an illegal upkick to Bellato’s head while Bellato was grounded. The referee immediately stopped the contest, ruling it a no contest. However, what followed sparked outrage, with many accusing Bellato of faking the knockout to secure an easy win.

The Incident: Illegal Upkick and Dramatic Reaction

The fight had been competitive, with Bellato controlling much of the action from the top position. As the round was winding down, Craig, on his back, delivered a heel strike to Bellato’s face an illegal technique since Bellato was considered a downed opponent. Bellato’s reaction was dramatic: he initially looked toward the referee, then collapsed and appeared unconscious, prompting the official to stop the fight.

Replays showed Bellato glancing at the referee before falling, which fueled skepticism. Many fans and commentators questioned the authenticity of his reaction, suggesting it was overly theatrical. Social media exploded with memes and accusations that Bellato was “acting” to get a no contest ruling rather than fighting through the illegal strike.

Bellato’s Response: Denying the Allegations

In the aftermath, Bellato broke his silence via Instagram, firmly denying any accusations of faking the knockout. He described the illegal kick as a powerful and sudden blow that triggered an immediate physical response. “The moment I was on the ground, I didn’t expect to get kicked in the face,” Bellato wrote. “It was a strong kick. When I looked at the judge to complain, my whole body began to tingle, my vision disappeared, and I don’t remember anything after that.”

Bellato emphasized his fighting spirit, stating, “Anyone who knows me knows I would NEVER do this. I’ve never run from war.” He highlighted his recent performances, including two fights in less than 30 days, underscoring his toughness and dedication.

Paul Craig’s Perspective: Calling for Respect

Paul Craig, who was also fighting to salvage his UFC career after a losing streak, addressed the controversy at the post-fight press conference. While acknowledging the illegal upkick was his mistake, Craig urged fans to stop attacking Bellato’s integrity. “I don’t think any fighter is looking for an easy way out in this sport,” Craig said. “We’re all fighters at the pinnacle of our careers, trying to put on performances. I understand why some might think it looks a bit ‘flop’ish, but I don’t want to jump to that conclusion.”

Craig took responsibility for the incident, emphasizing that the controversy would not have happened if he hadn’t thrown the illegal strike. He also revealed he spoke with Bellato after the fight, who was unsure of what exactly happened.

The Fallout: Divided Opinions and UFC’s Dilemma

The no contest ruling left both fighters and fans frustrated. Bellato’s reaction became the talk of the MMA community, with some viewing it as a savvy tactic and others as a legitimate medical response. The UFC now faces a dilemma: whether to book a rematch or move on.

The incident also sparked a broader conversation about sportsmanship and the fine line between protecting fighter safety and potential gamesmanship. In a sport where toughness is prized, Bellato’s theatrical moment has drawn both criticism and sympathy.

The Rodolfo Bellato vs. Paul Craig bout at UFC Atlanta will be remembered as one of the most unusual finishes in recent MMA history. While Bellato insists he was genuinely affected by an illegal strike, the skepticism surrounding his reaction continues to fuel debate. Paul Craig’s call for respect reminds fans that fighters share the same risks and challenges. As the UFC considers next steps, the episode highlights the complexities of officiating and athlete conduct in high-stakes combat sports.