Mike Tyson has been a huge influence on the generation of fighters after him, but one MMA fighter took his love for the legendary boxer too far.
Mixed martial arts has established itself as one of the most unpredictable sports over the past few decades. A seemingly unbeatable champion can be knocked out with just seconds remaining on the clock, a five-second flying knee can end a rivalry, and a fighter can also have his ear severed by his opponent.
That was the case when Georgi Valentinov met Mitko Iliev at MAXFIGHT 62 on Saturday night. The event got off to a strong start at the Amphitheatre Arena in Sveti Vlas, Bulgaria, with a few knockouts and closely fought battles unfolding throughout the night.
However, it was the headlining bout that stole the spotlight, but not for the right reasons. Valentinov entered the fight as the favorite, with the 30-fight veteran taking on 7-5 journeyman Iliev.
Midway through the second round, a frustrated Georgi Valentinov clamped down on Mitko Iliev’s ear, ripping off a chunk of it and spitting it to the canvas.
Once the chunk of flesh was spotted by officials, the fight was waved off, subsequently handing Valentinov the disqualification loss.
Watch the disturbing footage below.
Chaos erupted at Maxfight 62 in St. Vlas when Bulgarian fighter Georgi Valentinov sank his teeth into his opponent’s ear during a live MMA bout—biting off a full section and spitting it mid-fight, in a scene eerily reminiscent of Tyson vs. Holyfield. St. Vlas, Bulgaria – July 19,… pic.twitter.com/jnGvsRMfiA
— Vechtsport Info 🇳🇱 🇲🇦 🇧🇪 🇪🇺 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@vechtsport_Info) July 21, 2025
MAXFIGHT president Lyuben Dzhubrilov was in utter disgust at the illegal move, as he announced in a post on social media.
“Dear fans of combat sports,” Dzhubrilov said. “I am writing to you not only as the president of the largest professional combat organization in Bulgaria, but also as a person who has been defending the name of this sport and its meaning for more than 20 years — honor, courage, respect, and controlled force within the rules.”
“On July 19, 2025, during the MAXFIGHT 62 event at the Summer Theatre in Sveti Vlas, we witnessed something that not only has no place in sports — it has no place in any civilized form of behavior.”
“Georgie Valentinov committed a deliberate, brutal, and horrific act by biting off part of the ear of his opponent, Mitko Iliev.”
“This was not a sporting situation. This was not a loss of control. This was a deliberate and heinous act that is not subject to any justification.”
Related: Undefeated MMA fighter shot five times in horrific attack
Dzhubrilov ultimately decided to ban Valentinov from competing for his promotion following the horrifying scenes on Saturday.
“MAX FIGHT takes its responsibility clearly and categorically: Georgie Valentinov is banned from participating in any event organized by us.”
“No right of appeal. No ‘second chance’. No apologies.”
“What happened at the end of the evening was a shock to everyone — including me. But let me be very clear: MAX FIGHT will not compromise.”
“MAX FIGHT will continue to build a stage for true fighters — people with discipline, honor, and heart. All others have no place here.”
