Canada’s Jesse Arnett picked up a major win at UAE Warriors 30 on Saturady, claiming featherweight gold against UFC alum Ali AlQaisi.
What happened next was not part of the plan.
After the fight was halted in the second round by the cageside physician due to a cut on AlQaisi, all hell broke lose. An enraged AlQaisi, upset at losing his title due to a doctor’s stoppage, appeared to instigate a post-fight fracas that ended in Arnett hopping out of the cage.
Initially, the victorious Arnett appears to offer his sympathies, while AlQaisi had words with the referee, making a belt motion around his waist. Arnett and AlQaisi then came together as officials and corners entered the cage, with one official getting between the fighters. A clearly agitated AlQaisi then lunged towards Arnett, with the two exchanging words until Arnett jumped the fence, having what appeared to be a rough landing.
All hell breaking loose at UAE Warriors after Ali AlQaisi loses his belt by cut stoppage to Jesse Arnett. pic.twitter.com/hKGlva7NL6
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) July 2, 2022
The broadcast team implored all involved to be professional throughout, not that it appeared to have any effect.
Cageside Press has reached out to the promotion regarding today’s incident. Jesse Arnett, meanwhile, had said in advance of the fight that he had hoped to win the featherweight title Saturday, then defend it sometime this fall. Depending on any disciplinary action etc., there’s a chance they may want to run this one back.
Update, 07/03/022 — UAE Warriors officials confirmed to Cageside Press that Arnett is uninjured, and that the incident will be reviewed in the coming days.
