In an odd scene that’s making waves across social media, a cornerman’s unconventional hydration technique has sparked both amusement and disgust among viewers. The viral clip shows a cornerman taking a mouthful of water and spraying it onto his athlete in a fine mist during a break between rounds.
The unusual method, while arguably efficient in its delivery, has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions about hygiene practices in competitive sports. Sports medicine experts note that while keeping athletes hydrated is crucial, there are more sanitary methods available.
Similar methods went viral several times in the past.
UFC’s Loik Radzhabov and his cornerman at PFL 8 went viral, drawing widespread criticism from MMA fans. During his 2019 playoff outing against Chris Wade, Radzhabov’s cornerman unexpectedly spat water in his face between rounds, seemingly to fire him up. Fans reacted with disgust, comparing the act to WWE legend Triple H’s water-spitting entrance. Even Ben Askren joked that the cornerman deserved to be slapped. Despite the strange moment, Radzhabov won but later lost the tournament final to Natan Schulte.
Diyar Nurgozhay’s coach spit water all over his face in between rounds during Dana White’s Contender Series as well.
A 2015 viral video showed a boxer getting spit on by his coach with a mouthful of water between rounds, sparking debate over whether such an act would ever be seen in the UFC. This kind of corner behavior remains rare in combat sports, though similar incidents have occasionally surfaced.
The footage has generated thousands of comments across various platforms, with many viewers expressing their stun at the unorthodox technique. Some have pointed out that traditional water bottles and squirt bottles are readily available alternatives.
Despite the questionable nature of the method, it’s worth noting that quick hydration between rounds is essential for athletes’ performance and safety. However, most professionals agree there are more appropriate ways to achieve this goal.
The viral moment serves as a reminder that sometimes, in the heat of competition, conventional practices can give way to improvised solutions – though perhaps not always for the better.
