WATCH: MMA fighter wins by KO, ’captures’ foe with pokeball after
Seems like even professional fighters have caught the “Pokémon Go” fever.
English mixed martial artist Michael “Venom” Page is the hottest MMA commodity outside of the UFC, and he once again proved that in devastating fashion by destroying Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos during their welterweight bout at Bellator 158 on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Page, who is best known for his flashy strikes and equally impressive in-ring celebrations, blasted his opponent with an impressive flying knee and celebrated his victory a la Ash Ketchum—the Pokemon franchise’s main protagonist.
After sending his defeated foe crashing to the mat in serious pain, Page went to his corner and came back with a Pokémon-inspired cap and a Poke ball, which he then rolled toward Santos in an attempt to “capture” him, much like in the game.
He then raised his right arm and struck a peace sign, Ketchum’s signature pose.
“I caught myself a cyborg,” the 29-year-old fighter told fans inside the packed O2 Arena in London during the post-fight interview.
With the win, Page improved his undefeated record to 11 wins and no losses, with 10 of those victories coming by way of knockouts and submissions.
No laughing matter
Page’s flawless victory and post-fight antics have entertained countless MMA fans, but the injuries sustained by his opponent are not to be taken lightly.
Santos’ ex-wife, MMA superstar Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino, posted a disturbing photo of his former husband on Instagram, just hours after the fight concluded.
“Fight fans Please say a prayer for my Ex husband Cyborg Santos. Many of you watched him fight on Spike TV this weekend when he suffered this injury while fighting in London. Cyborg is still in the hospital in the UK, and they are not sure when he will be able to fly again. He has not had surgery yet and their is worry the brain can continue to swell causing more damage. Click The link In My bio to donate to his #GoFundMe and support him and his family at this time. Thank you God for your protecion, The dr said this very Easily could have been life threatening. Please show your support for the fighters and share!” her caption read.
As stated in the IG post, Santos is still not cleared by doctors and has not had surgery to repair the broken orbital on his skull. His family also created a GoFundMe page where people can donate to to cover his hospital bills.
Consummate professional
Meanwhile, despite his brash celebration, Page was all-class on addressing his opponent after the fight.
“Cyborg is an absolute champ, he took me where i haven’t been so far,” he said. “He pushed me and my hat’s off to Cyborg.”
He also urged his followers on social media to to support Santos by donating at his GoFundMe page. Khristian Ibarrola
I would like to express my best wishes to @CYBORG121 & his family, as he is currently being held in hospital for a fractured skull
— Michael Venom Page (@Michaelpage247) July 17, 2016
.. And will be undergoing surgery please may I ask that you join me in donating towards his @gofundme pagehttps://t.co/oPkIk6kuVf
— Michael Venom Page (@Michaelpage247) July 17, 2016
