Semisie Pomale, the final defendant in the case surrounding the tragic incident involving MMA fighter Fau Vake, has been granted a discharge without conviction by a New Zealand court. The decision has sparked controversy and outrage among the MMA community and beyond.
Pomale, 35, was accused of slapping Vake during a late-night confrontation in Auckland’s CBD in May 2021. The incident escalated, resulting in Vake sustaining fatal injuries after falling and hitting his head on the pavement.
While Pomale’s role was deemed less severe compared to his co-defendants, who faced more serious charges, the court’s decision to grant him a discharge has raised eyebrows. The judge cited Pomale’s genuine remorse and lack of prior convictions as factors in the ruling.
A key element in the decision was Pomale’s recent appointment as deputy manager of the Tongan national rugby team. His defense argued that a conviction would hinder his ability to travel internationally with the team, potentially impacting their performance.
The ruling has not sat well with prominent figures in the MMA world. UFC stars Israel Adesanya and Dan Hooker have expressed their frustration and anger on social media. Adesanya, a former UFC world champion, questioned the decision, highlighting that Vake’s own aspirations to represent Tonga on the global stage were permanently cut short.
Hooker didn’t mince words, stating, “I love being a cage fighter and not a mainstream athlete so I can voice my opinion of things that p**s me off.” He went on to express his strong disapproval of the outcome.
The case has reignited discussions about justice and accountability in such incidents. Vake, a promising 25-year-old fighter training at the renowned City Kickboxing gym, was known for his dedication to the sport and his loving nature.
As part of the court’s decision, Pomale has been ordered to make a donation of approximately $1,200 USD to either Auckland City Mission or the Salvation Army within the next month.
The Vake family, who have previously shared heartbreaking impact statements, did not provide new statements for this sentencing. The absence of their input has added another layer of complexity to an already contentious case.
This ruling marks the end of a legal process that has spanned over three years, leaving many in the MMA community feeling that justice has not been fully served. The case continues to spark debates about the adequacy of the legal system in dealing with such tragic incidents and the broader implications for public safety.
