In the post-fight press conference, a sorrow Mitrione would issue an apology to Kharitonov for the accidental, but illegal kick.
“I cannot begin to explain how sorry I am for everybody that paid to come to the fight to watch that fight between Sergei and I. It would’ve been really dope – it would’ve been a great fight. Obviously, it was not intentional – the worst possible situation. … Sergei: I’m genuinely sorry. I’m apologetic as I could possibly be,” says Mitrione (via MMA Junkie).
The bout would be declared a no contest since the aforementioned kick was deemed accidental by the referee.
It would get worse for Kharitonov before it got better, as the fighter would have to make two trips to the hospital to deal with the injury.
“Sergei Kharitonov was discharged from a local Connecticut hospital last night after getting kicked in the groin by Matt Mitrione, which resulted in a no contest, sources told ESPN,” reported Ariel Helwani of ESPN. “However, he experienced more pain and discomfort this morning and was re-admitted to the hospital. After another round of tests, the doctors determined he did not suffer from any internal bleeding. According to Bellator sources, he does have a hemorrhoid as a result of the kick and has been given topical and pain medication by doctors.”
Kharitonov was seen cage side the next day at Bellator 216, but no further update has been provided on his balls at this time.
