TOP DOG FC has suspended Igor “Imelya” Ionov for three months following a heated altercation with referee Denis Anatolyevich Sidenko at TOP DOG 33 in Moscow’s CSKA Arena. The incident occurred after Ionov directed discriminatory slurs at Sidenko following a controversial championship bout.
Referee Denis Anatolyevich Sidenko left Top Dog despite being one of their best refrees in addition to getting a 2 year suspension from the Russian Boxing Federation.
The suspension comes in response to events that unfolded after Ionov’s light heavyweight title bout against champion Oleg “Fomich” Fomichev. During the match, Ionov had expressed frustration with Sidenko’s officiating, particularly regarding what he perceived as lenient handling of Fomichev’s rules violations, including hair-pulling and strikes after stop commands.
The situation escalated when Ionov directed offensive remarks at Sidenko, prompting the referee to physically strike the bare knuckle boxer. Security personnel intervened to prevent further confrontation after Ionov reportedly spat at the official.
In the immediate aftermath, Ionov had dismissed the possibility of sanctions, stating, “There shouldn’t be any sanctions, because it’s a show, and I’m responsible for it.” However, TOP DOG leadership ultimately decided disciplinary action was necessary.
The incident has had lasting repercussions beyond Ionov’s suspension. Sidenko, a veteran official known for his experience in the promotion, announced his departure from TOP DOG through social media posts, expressing his unwillingness to “partake in the circus anymore.”
The controversy has sparked widespread debate within the combat sports community. Former ACA champion Murad Khalidov had previously criticized the officiating, describing it as “disgusting” and suggesting bias in favor of Fomichev during the bout.
Prior to his suspension, Ionov had framed potential future matches with Fomichev not as revenge bouts but as part of a “championship story,” telling Sport24, “It’s not revenge. It’s a trilogy.” These plans may now face delays due to his temporary removal from competition.
TOP DOG’s decision represents a strong stance on maintaining professional conduct within the promotion, addressing both the use of discriminatory language and the subsequent physical altercation that marred their event.
