Measures following misconduct at kickboxing event

Following misconduct during a kickboxing event in Capelle aan den IJssel, the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (Dutch Martial Arts Authority) has imposed measures on a competitive fighter, a member of his entourage and an official.

The General rules of conduct for full contact martial arts (.pdf) came into force on 1 January 2019. On 8 December 2019, an incident took place during an event in Capelle aan den IJssel in which several people seriously breached these rules.

One of the participants in a bout bit his opponent, as established by the independent ringside doctor. The referee then disqualified the fighter, after which the fighter directed serious insults and threats at the referee and others present.

A person from his entourage failed to take responsibility by acting to de-escalate the situation, and instead incited the fighter's supporters. An official of the federation that sanctioned the event also entered the ring, lost his self-control and struck the disqualified athlete. As a result, the situation escalated further.

The VA was able to establish all of this itself because good video footage of the incidents is available. The conduct of the three individuals concerned is unacceptable and damages the sport of kickboxing. It has therefore been decided to suspend all three. The fighter may not enter the ring for six months. The member of his entourage is excluded for three months, and the official for six months.